Perforations improve LEDs

Researchers in

are developing new technology that could replace the household light bulb within three years.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are said to be several times more energy efficient than standard light bulbs but their structure and material traps light and reduces brightness, which makes them unsuitable as a domestic light source.

Researchers at Glasgow University believe they have found a way of introducing a new generation of LEDs into households that are brighter and use less power than standard energy efficient light bulbs.

Dr Faiz Rahman, the researcher leading the project at the Glasgow University, said: ‘By making microscopic holes on the surface of the LEDs it is possible to extract more light, thus increasing the brightness of the lights without increasing the energy consumption.

‘As yet, LEDs have not been introduced as the standard lighting in homes because the process of making the holes is very time consuming and expensive. However, by using world-class facilities at the Glasgow University we believe we have found a way of imprinting the holes into billions of LEDs at a far greater speed, but at a much lower cost.

‘LEDs not only use less power than current energy efficient light bulbs but they are much smaller and can last years without needing to be replaced. This means the days of the humble light-bulb could soon be over.’

The team of researchers use a technique called nano-imprint lithography to directly imprint the tiny holes onto the LEDs allowing more of the light to escape.

The project is being developed in conjunction with the

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, and

, as part of the

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