The color of the light is determined by the semiconductor's energy gap.

Using this type of science makes these bulbs more energy efficient, longer-lasting, smaller, and more durable than other lights. These high-powered LEDs (HPLEDs) are become a major competitor to incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen bulbs in lamps and flashlights. For many applications, the LED bulb simply is the better solution. Law Enforcement / Public Safety HPLEDs are being used in flashlights and search lights to better aid police and fire crews when searching for criminals or victims of major disasters. The bright, narrow beams allow police and fire fighters to search from a greater distance, and the durability of the HPLED bulbs fit the type of demanding activity these occupations require. Outdoor Recreation HPLED lanterns are replacing gas and filament-bulb lanterns as the new standard in hiking, camping, and cave exploration. 

Because HPLED bulbs can last thousands of hours and utilize very little batteries, they are great additions to survival kits. Additionally, LED bulbs are very small and therefore the flashlights and other forms they take are also small and can be light-weight for easy packing and storing. Video Displays / Televisions Many television manufacturers are playing around with LED lights as the next generation light source for video displays and flat-panel televisions. Sony was the first to come out with an organic LED display last year. LEDs allow TV makers to create low-energy consumption TVs with bright, solid pictures. LEDs don't put off as much heat as other bulbs which means, TVs can be made to not get above a certain temperature, avoiding the need for major fans and heat sinks. Displays / Event Lighting LEDs and HPLEDs are being used consistently for stage and arena lighting because they can display so many different colors in such incredible brightness. Many of the buildings and events at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, for example, perfectly showcased the power and beauty of LED lights. These lights can easily be programmed to fade and contrast creating fast or slow moving visual effects. The small size of the bulbs helps light designers create much more intricate images than possible with traditional fluorescents as well. 

Light emitting diode (LED) can be described as a semiconductor device, which produces narrow spectrum light in incoherent beams when electricity is passed through these devices. This phenomenon is technically called electro luminescence in which the color of the emitted light depends on the chemical composition of the semi conducting material used that can be near-ultraviolet, visible or infrared. LED manufacturers provide end-to-end solutions for all the LED lighting needs of household users as well as large industrial users, which includes replacement of parts and components, servicing, and onsite repair facilities. All major LED manufacturers operate websites that contains detailed information about their products and prices. It also contains comparison charts, which highlight the benefits of manufacture's products vis-à-vis products of other suppliers. Customers can access a particular manufacturers website and choose the best products from available options. 

They can also browse through related links to acquire more information about a particular type of LED device. Some manufacturers offer discount schemes on their products to clear out old stock and increase sales. Products are also sold at wholesale prices if the size of purchase order is large. Big companies can plan about their LED lighting requirements in advance and order in bulk to save on the costs. Apart from selling branded products, some manufacturers also deal in used, salvaged, and refurbished LED devices that are relatively cheaper than new LEDs. Manufacturers also perform equipment enhancement works to suit the needs of a particular organization. Startup companies or firms who do not have adequate financial resources can buy used or refurbished LED devices certified by the manufacturer. LED manufacturer websites also contain detailed lists of all the authorized retailers and resellers that form the dealer network. This makes it easier for customers to find the nearest store that sells authenticated products. These dealers offer special rates, rebates, and gifts to registered customers to retain and reward loyal customers. If there is one place in your house that could probably really stand to be updated, it's the lighting. 

Old style halogen lights give off a yellow glow that is very bright, but uses a lot of power to make them work. If your house could use a makeover in the lighting department, you owe it to yourself, and your electricity bill, to check out LED lights. So what do they do, how will they help out in your home and what other applications are out there? Those are exactly the question this article aims to tackle. LED stands for light emitting diode and it actually sounds more complicated than it is. Essentially, in a really basic way, these diodes emit light when current runs though them. But they do it in such a way that they are much more energy efficient, have a longer life expectancy and can be much smaller. If effect, they take the light bulb and make it more compact and efficient while giving off a whiter, more natural light. And that is the first way they can help you out. LEDs can be made in all the colors of the rainbow - and even some that aren't. But the most common color is pure white. 

This is the one that you see on the roads when expensive vehicles drive by. They are also the ones that newer, more efficient homes come with and the ones that every other person seems to be upgrading to these days. The biggest draw when used in home or automotive applications is the lower use of power and the bright, white light that you get. Statistics out there state that your electricity bill can be shaved by hundreds of dollars a year if you switch over to more efficient LEDs throughout your house. And the other big draw is that you won't have to replace them as often. Normal light bulbs have a filament that can rattle around, come loose and break. LED lights don't used filaments in them and can last up to ten times longer than a standard light bulb! This means that besides saving money on your electricity bill, you won't have to shell out as much for the bulbs themselves because they will last much longer. Besides being used in your house lighting, LEDs have found their way into many different products that have really benefited from their inclusion. 

Some of these products include flashlights, lamps, accent lighting and those car headlights already mentioned. In flashlights, the LEDs are usually set in a circle for the smaller, around the house type of flashlights so that they give off a wider arc that can light up a larger space. Some flashlights come with a single, large LED that shines extremely brightly and can be switched between brightness settings with the click of a button. These flashlights are much more powerful than the standard ones, and the light source will last much longer than a bulb. Another of these products that has really taken off is LED lighting for cars and trucks.