Light diodes are low-voltage electroluminescent devices that emit light when electrons pass through an elementary p-n junction. Light emission occurs when minor carriers are injected through the p-n junction. Diodes can be excited by direct, alternating and pulsed voltage.
A diode lamp contains an anode and a cathode. The anode is designed to attract electrons that are emitted by the cathode, a positive voltage is always applied to the anode. When an electric current is applied to the contacts of the lamp between the anode and the cathode, an electric field is formed, it helps the electrons emitted from the cathode (such electrons are called free) to move towards the anode. Currently, LED lamps are the most promising direction in the development of lighting technology and light sources. Diode lamps replace incandescent and halogen lamps, they begin to compete even with energy-saving ones.
Diode lamp has its advantages and disadvantages. Its main advantage is low power consumption. It is about ten times lower than that of an incandescent lamp, and about three times lower than that of a fluorescent lamp. small consumptionelectric current due to the fact that the power of diode lamps is quite low.
The second advantage is a long service life - 100,000 hours, or 11 years of continuous operation. The next advantage: the diode lamp is practically harmless, it does not contain mercury and is easy to dispose of. Due to the fact that diode lamps practically do not heat up during operation, they are considered fireproof, so they can be used in places with poor ventilation, such as false ceilings. The advantage of the devices is their high mechanical strength, they are not even afraid of falling from a height, and all this is due to the materials from which they are made.
There are more disadvantages to LED lamps than advantages. The main disadvantage is the very high price. For example, household diode lamps with a power of 9-10 W will cost up to 2,000 rubles, and an office type (Armstrong ceiling) - from 5,000 rubles. The second drawback: the 100,000 hours of continuous operation declared by the manufacturers in practice show a much shorter service life. This is because there is a degradation effect of the LED crystals. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for its products for 3-5 years. Considering that the diode lamp pays off in 5 years, you can lose your money. The next drawback is the narrowly focused light and an unpleasant glow spectrum.
LED lamps have found their application in the automotive industry. Since the 1990s, automakers have begun using LEDs incar headlights, brake lights, direction indicators, dimensions, interior and instrument panel lighting, etc. Diode lamps for a car have a different spectrum of luminescence: from red to blue. Now many manufacturers produce high quality LEDs for cars of different models, this opens up huge opportunities for car tuning.
