led images

An LED Unit

The LED is the semiconductor die itself, which sits in a reflective cup that acts as a heat sink and reflector. When voltage is applied to the LED, electrons and holes in the two semiconductor layers are attracted to each other at the junction. When they combine, they create photons.

LED Vs. LCD

LEDs and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are widely used in combination as in this printer control panel. Alphanumeric readouts can be LED or LCD, but the billions of on/off indicators found on countless products such as this green Ready light are LEDs.

The First LED Watch

This Synchronar 2100 was the first solar powered watch. It also has the distinction of being the first LED watch. Models were already working prior to the announcement of Hamilton's famous Pulsar LED watch in 1970. (Image courtesy of the private collection of Peter Wenzig.)

Change the Mood

LEDs provide much more flexibility than ordinary lights; witness this Los Angeles bedroom with illumination by Color Kinetics. With a flick of a switch, you can change the ambience. (Image courtesy of Color Kinetics, Inc.; Design and photo by Steven Cordrey)

Rockin' Stairs

This staircase in the Westin Hotel in Shanghai is illuminated by LEDs from Color Kinetics. It can cycle through a rainbow of colors or become a light show synchronized with music. (Image courtesy of Color Kinetics, Inc.; Design by Light Directions Hong Kong; Photo by Friendly Light)

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