What is a LED and How it Works?

There are many electrical and electronic items that we use on a day to day basis whose basics many of us do not know. One such thing is the LED light. LED is basically a light source that many of us depend on regularly. However, there are very few among us who really know what really a LED is or how actually it works. Here are some interesting facts about what an LED is all about and its working mechanism.

 

What is LED?

 

LED is the short form of light emitting diode. It is a light source that works on two lead semiconductors which provide the light. The two leads play a crucial role in the whole process of emitting light rays and we will see how it works in the following paragraphs.

 

These LED lights are found in many gadgets like remote controls, indicator lights on various gadgets and devises, in lamps irrespective of their sizes, video screen displays, street lights, traffic signs, clocks, traffic lights and huge television screens. Due to their miniature size they comfortably get seated inside all electronic and electrical gadgets. Despite their high utility value and multiple uses, LED remains unsung heroes for many years now.

 

LED lights are highly energy efficient. They can be comfortably used for short distances and in small areas since they are small in size. They are durable in nature and are shock proof unlike the other regular bulbs. LED lights are directional in nature and so is very useful particular to reduce pollution caused due to stray light on street lights.

 

How a LED works?

 

The semiconductor material used for the purpose undergoes a property change when it is doped. This creates two separate models of semiconductors within one crystal that allows electric current to pass through the junction called p-n. Typically all LED’s are produced using these p-n junction.

 

LED light uses the Electroluminescence phenomenon which makes the semiconductor material used emit light when an electric current or electrical field passes through it. In any material where electrons lack in numbers, electron holes are caused. When the electrical energy triggers the electrons passing through the intended material, the triggered electrons fill the electron holes. When the electrons triggered by the electrical energy permeates through one crystal to another crystal, the electron holes created earlier gets closed emitting photons, which is nothing but light energy.