What is the Full Form of LED?
Most of us know the initials: LED. We even know that it has something to do with lights and probably electronics. What, though, is the full form of LED? What does it stand for? Let's take a look at LED in more depthand especially at what it means for you, the consumer.
A Basic Definition
Three key words make up the full form of LED: Light Emitting Diode. Let's talk first about that last wordthe diode. A diode is a tiny semiconductor. When this diode is switched on (or forward biased), electrons combine with holes inside the device. This releases energy in the form of photons. In other words, it emits light, the LE in our abbreviation.
Usually an LED is small in area (less than a millimeter). This small size makes it great for small packages (They're used, for instance, in ultra-thin monitors). LED has distinct advantages over incandescent lights, because they last longer, they use less energy, and they allow the creation of smaller devices because of their small size. They're also known to be more durable and reliable.
Light-Emitting Applications
It's the DIODE in LED that makes it so useful in so many devices, including those with small enclosed spaces. However, it's the LE, or its ability to emit light that gives it its most visible benefit. LEDs are used as replacements for automotive lighting, aviation lighting (especially indicators), and inside traffic lights. Their compact size also makes LEDs good for the new generation of video and text displays and sensors that are being developed. You'll also find LEDs used in remote controls for televisions, video players, and more
Miniature LEDs
The story of the electronics age is that of small getting smaller. That's certainly true for LEDs, especially with the arrival of miniature LEDs. You can compare the thickness of these new, smaller diodes with the thickness of a wooden matchstick. Mostly, these lights are used as indicators. Their design is simple and they don't require a separate cooling body.
Mid-Range & High-Power LEDs
LED's are going the other way too- into larger and higher-powered ones. Some high-powered LEDs produce more than a thousand lumens. These, however, have to be mounted on a heat sink, because otherwise, overheating would be harmful. These high-powered LEDs are being used to replace the old-style incandescent, fluorescent and halogen light bulbs.
Medium powered LEDs are used when you need a few lumens. You'll find these used in things such as emergency lighting, light panels, and automotive tail-lights.
What all of this means is that you no longer have to be heavily into electronics to take advantage of the benefits of LED. You can find out for yourself how much longer they last and how much they can save you in energy by replacing your current light bulbs, tail lights, and emergency lighting with LED. Give it a try and you'll find it difficult to go back to older lighting sources.
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