The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to three Japanese researchers whose work produced the blue LED (light-emitting diode).

Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura received the prize for creating diodes that emit blue light. With the introduction of the blue LED, it was finally possible to create LEDs that produce the type of white light used in most commercial and residential applications.

Red and green LEDs have been in use for decades, often as indicator lights on electronics and appliances. Without a source of blue LED light, however, LEDs could not produce the type and amount of light needed for general illumination.

The blue LED allows production of strong white light that can easily replace standard incandescent and fluorescent bulbs in most lighting applications.

Compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LED lights are much more energy efficient. They use significantly less energy to produce almost 20 times more light than an incandescent bulb and more than four times more light than a fluorescent bulb. They can last 100 times as long as incandescents and 10 times as long as fluorescents.

LEDs’ minimal energy requirements mean they could be beneficial in areas of the world where electricity is scarce. Domestically, they will significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to light homes and businesses.

The Nobel Prize recognizes outstanding achievements in six important intellectual and academic categories: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics and peace. The prize was established in 1901 by a bequest in the will of Alfred B. Nobel, a noted scientist, entrepreneur and inventor.

As a general contractor in Newton, MA, Sage Builders LLC offers expert residential design, construction and renovation, including support of energy efficiency. Contact us today for more information on energy efficiency and how LED lighting contributes to reduced natural resource usage.

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