How LED Lighting Has Evolved Over the Years

If you check the lightbulbs in your home or workplace, you will likely find some LED lightbulbs. The light-emitting diodes are a popular lighting choice for their power and longevity. There’s a lot to look at when exploring how LED lighting has evolved over the years, and it all started nearly a century ago.

The Early 1900s

In 1927, a Russian scientist named Oleg Lesev developed some of the first theories and information regarding LEDs. While these early days focused more on the theory of diodes that could emit light rather than physical production, scientists continued testing these theories into the 50s and 60s. In 1962, engineer Nick Holonyak created the first red LED.

Later 1900s

After Holonyak’s revolutionary discovery of the red LED, the first on a visible spectrum, LEDs continued to grow throughout the 60s. Computer companies like IBM and HP utilized the red LED in circuit boards and calculators.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, engineers worked to create yellow and blue LEDs on the visible spectrum. In 1986, Stafford University engineers created a specific blue LED that set the standard for the lights going forward. And in the 1990s, Japanese physicists worked to enhance and brighten the blue LED to create a white one, essentially changing how we use these bulbs.

The Twenty-First Century

When looking at how LED lighting has evolved over the years, a look back at the past 20 years shows some of the most significant growth after the creation of white light LEDs. By 2002, these bulbs were on the commercial market but could cost upwards of $90 or higher per bulb.

Around 2008, LED bulbs became more prevalent in hospitals, schools, and many office buildings. Throughout the 2010s, the prices dropped as technology advanced and became more accessible for homes and businesses, and many people preferred these bulbs over halogen or incandescent lighting options.

If you want to learn more about various lighting options or some of the commercial lighting systems available on the market, Induction Lighting Fixtures has the information you need. Browse through our catalog for more information on the bulbs and fixtures that work best for your commercial setting, or contact us anytime to speak to our informed specialists.