LED Bulbs Throughout History

A young Russian scientist named Oleg Vladimirovich Losev invented LED while working as a technician in Soviet radio laboratories. It was an amazing feat, especially considering he had no formal training. Before tragically dying of hunger during WWII, Losev published 43 papers and was granted 16 patents.

LED did not really take off until the 1960s, and began to be used widely in industrial contexts during the following decade. Compared to little filament lights, the LED variety didn't require constant changing and used much less power, making them very desirable commodities in all types of commercial ventures. Red LEDs were the first on the market, followed by yellow and amber. Blue and violets came during the 1990s, and by combining colors a white- appearing LED emission was created, paving the way for replacement of old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. Since the technology took off four decades ago, LED light bulbs have been used in a variety of familiar objects.

- In the mid 1990s, traffic lights began to operate with LEDs. The illumination is brighter, offering a better contrast against direct sunlight which improves safety. Unlike incandescent bulbs, the LEDs don't burn out suddenly; by fading slowly instead, workers have advanced notice when replacement is necessary. Of course, the cost of operating traffic lights is much lower as well.

- In the 1990s, LED bulbs began to be used in the automotive industry. Their brightness has shown to be of great value in safety performance tests, particularly when used in rear brake lights. The bulbs also have extreme resistance to road vibration and need to be replaced less often. This is particularly important in the trucking industry, since vehicles require less down time. Bicycle safety has been greatly increased due to LED bulbs as well; blinking and steady LEDs mounted on the back of bikes helps night visibility and have saved many lives.

For nearly two decades LED bulbs have been replacing incandescent bulbs in homes and businesses around the world, offering cheaper, more efficient service in a wide variety of contexts: flashlights, solar garden lighting, stage lighting, billboard displays, building floodlighting, even Christmas lights! Now that you know more about LED light bulbs and their uses, look around and see how many you can find; you'll be surprised at how prevalent they have become. If Oleg Vladimirovich Losev were alive today, he would marvel at how his humble invention from so long ago has revolutionized how we light the world.