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Timeline of the LED: From Early Discoveries to Smart Lighting
The Evolution of LED Technology
The timeline of LED development showcases a journey from early discoveries to a transformative technology that has revolutionised lighting and various industries, providing energy-efficient and versatile solutions for the modern world.
Early Discoveries (1907–1950s)
The story of LEDs begins in the early 20th century when H.J. Round observed electroluminescence in silicon carbide in 1907. This laid the groundwork for future research. In the following decades, scientists like Oleg Losev and Rubin Braunstein expanded the understanding of semiconductor properties, paving the way for practical applications.
First Practical LED (1962)
Nick Holonyak Jr., working at General Electric, created the first visible-spectrum LED in 1962. This red LED, made from gallium arsenide phosphide, marked the beginning of LEDs being used in real-world devices.
Expanding Colours (1970s–1980s)
Advancements in semiconductor materials allowed LEDs to emit new colours, including green and yellow. This broadened their applications and increased their versatility across electronic and display technologies.
The Blue LED Breakthrough (1990s)
A major milestone came in the early 1990s when Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura developed the blue LED. Combining blue with red and green LEDs made it possible to produce white light, transforming LED technology into a viable option for general lighting.
Nobel Prize Recognition (2014)
The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Akasaki, Amano, and Nakamura in 2014 for their pioneering work on blue LEDs. This recognition highlighted the global significance of their achievement in the field of lighting and energy efficiency.
Rapid Growth and Commercialisation (2000s–Present)
Since the turn of the century, LEDs have become more efficient, longer-lasting, and affordable. They are now used in homes, workplaces, vehicles, and consumer electronics, revolutionising how we light and power our world.
Smart and Connected LEDs (2010s–Present)
The latest chapter in LED history sees integration with smart technology. Modern LEDs can change colour, be controlled remotely, and connect to intelligent systems, offering energy savings and convenience that redefine how lighting interacts with our daily lives.
Learn More About LED Lighting →
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