HotLight

[L.E.D.]

could they make an Heat.E.D.? like an LED that would put out around IR or lower? how about microwave emitting diode?

 

[The_LED_Museum]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ColdLight:
could they make an Heat.E.D.? like an LED that would put out around IR or lower? how about microwave emitting diode?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

At the present time, the spectral range for energy emitting diodes runs from 4.9 microns in the mid-IR down to 0.37 microns in the long-UV.

The sensation we call heat really doesn't start showing up until you get out to around 20 to 50 microns and longer. That's a long jump from 4.9 microns.

One problem is the optics. A CO2 laser produces a beam at 10.6 microns, and it isn't considered "heat" quite yet. It burns only because it's a laser and any laser over a watt or two will set things on fire.

Glass, epoxy, and other common LED lens materials are opaque at this wavelength amd beyond, so you have to use something like germanium. Ever wonder why CO2 laser OC's cost a couple of grand? That's why. Imagine paying a few hundred bucks for an LED.

 

[LiteFreek]

Wow, you never cease to amaze me with your optics knowledge Telephony. Is this all self taught?

-The local LiteFreek

 

[L.E.D.]

Telephony,

I thought that would be the problem (the plastic does not allow the "Hot" photons to escape.) So it SHOULD be possible to make one though, maybe in say 20-30 years?? Ouch.....A Luxeon HED? that sure would hurt!

 

[Alaric Darconville]

Until such a time as the HEDs are available, I guess I'll just stick with the FED.

Now, if they could make an odorless FED....