1000 Green Steps » Centre for Gallium Nitride http://1000greensteps.org New Green Business Ideas Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:42:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Step 25: New Generation of LEDs Cut Costs, Save Energy http://1000greensteps.org/2011/01/27/new-generation-of-leds-cut-costs-save-energy/ http://1000greensteps.org/2011/01/27/new-generation-of-leds-cut-costs-save-energy/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:02:37 +0000 Kathryn J. Siranosian http://1000greensteps.org/?p=400 Researchers have developed a new way to make LEDs, and that could reduce your household lighting bills by as much as 75% within the next five years, according to a recent article in Science Daily.

Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a synthetic semiconductor that can be used to make LEDs. It emits brilliant light and uses very little electricity and make that as their green steps.

However, until now, researchers had to grow GaN on expensive sapphire wafers. These high production costs kept GaN from widespread use.

Recently, though, scientists at the Centre for Gallium Nitride at Cambridge University discovered that GaN could be grown on silicon wafers, instead. This new method can produce LEDs for a tenth of current prices.

GaN LEDs are also incredibly energy-efficient and long-lasting. They can burn for 100,000 hours, or so, the article states.

Plus, unlike current energy-saving bulbs, GaN LEDs do not contain mercury. Start taking green steps now :)

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