LEDs and their offshoots, OLEDs (organic LEDs) and PLEDs (polymer LEDs), can be manufactured to display a stunning range of colors.  Different manufacturing methods and materials usage makes each particular type of LED suited to specific applications and lighting strategies.  The overall desired color effect will determine which LED is best suited for a particular project.

Solid-state LEDs produce light in a variety of wavelengths, from the infrared to the ultraviolet range, and create this light through the use of a semiconductor material.  Color variations are produced by the use of different materials to create the needed semiconductors.  Materials as diverse as gallium arsenide and diamond can be used to produce a range of intense colors, and the semiconductor material determines the given wavelength of emitted light.

The three “primary” or main colors for LEDs are red, blue and green (RGB). When a new LED color is designed, it begins with a combination of RGB light and any hue can be created with the correct color mixture.  It is difficult for engineers to accurately model these colors in advance as computer modeling software cannot match the full spectrum of colors available with LEDs.

White LEDs are the sole exception to the standard RGB process. Typically, white LEDs are created using the color combination process; however, they can also be created via use of a phosphor coating over a blue LED.  The phosphor coating forces the light wavelengths emitted by the blue LED to undergo a wavelength shift and appear as bright, white light.  This wavelength shift is referred to as the Stokes shift.  Phosphor coated LEDs are less expensive to produce than the RGB combination but, due to the Stokes shift, their overall efficiency is adversely affected.

OLEDs and PLEDs are variants on the original LED design.  OLEDs make use of organic compounds to replace the LED’s inorganic semiconductors.  PLEDs use the same design as OLEDs, but make use of a polymer film in place of the organic electrolumiscent compound. OLEDs can be manufactured as thin, flexible films, and they are widely used for items such as computer monitors and television screens due to their high contrast ratios.  PLEDs are also manufactured as films rather than as individual light elements, and are best for low area lighting or presenting a full color spectrum for displays.

VCC’s engineers can assess individual project requirements and develop appropriate colors and lighting solutions for any application. Cutting edge technology and design innovation ensure that each LED will meet customer needs for intensity and reliability while providing a high level of efficiency.  VCC offers in-house consultancy, design and manufacturing processes to cover LED production from start to finish.