Student Develops First Polarized LED

Behold the future of LEDs (light emitting diodes): the polarized LED - a technological breakthrough that could usher in a new generation of super-efficient LEDs adapted for use in LCDs on a variety of consumer electronics. Martin Schubert, a graduate student at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, was awarded the prestigious Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize for his work - the culmination of several years' research.

His polarized LED is a step up from existing technologies; it allows for much better control of the direction and polarization of the emitted light, resulting in less wasted energy from scattered light and optimal light placement. According to Schubert, this should make it suitable as a backlighting component for a range of LCD screens, such as those found in televisions, cameras and cell phones - providing crisper, more lifelike images.

Its broad appeal to a more eco-conscious and discerning customer base - not to mention efficiency-oriented tech industry - should speed it up its wider adoption, he believes. In addition to replacing fluorescent lights, Schubert sees his innovation being incorporated into street lighting and imaging/sensing free-space optics. As LED enthusiasts here at TH, we're looking forward to seeing in what innovative ways this new technology is implemented.

Image courtesy of Kris Qua/Rensselaer