Philips Lumileds Discovers `Droop` Breakthrough with Its LED Technology
Philips Lumileds recently announced that it has fundamentally solved the problem of "droop," a phenomenon common to white power LEDs in which efficacy (lumens per watt) decreases as current increases.
The new technology will be implemented in 2007 in the company`s LUXEON(R) LEDs, which already deliver leading light output at drive currents of 1000mA and higher.
Sampling of products is expected to begin in the next 90 days with full production in Q3 of 2007. More light and higher efficacy for white LEDs are essential to opening new lighting markets and to expanding the reach of LED lighting into residential lighting segments. Incorporating this new epitaxial technology will allow Philips Lumileds to deliver the industry`s first high-power LEDs that deliver 70 or more lumens per watt at drive currents of 1000mA and higher.
"While 350mA devices continue to improve in light output, they cannot deliver the light output of devices operated at 1A, 2A or even higher. Most LED manufacturers have acknowledged the need to move beyond the 350mA space and have recently announced devices that can operate at currents up to 1000mA. LUXEON(R) K2 already supports a maximum current of 1.5A and with our focus on power LEDs we will continue to expand that operating range."
