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Basic Research
Efficient Phosphors for White LEDs
Project Sponsor: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Center for Future Energy Systems, Applied NanoWorks
Project Team: Applied NanoWorks
The LRC is working with Applied NanoWorks to create
an LED device that will significantly improve the efficacy, light output, and color properties of white light LEDs. In order to achieve this goal, researchers at Applied Nanoworks will develop novel nano-phosphors with very high quantum efficiencies (up to 80%) and combine them with the LRC's unique packaging technique, scattered photon extraction (SPE™).
LED Thermal Management Using Nanomaterials
Project Sponsor: Lighting Research Center
This study will explore the use of nanomaterials to manage the heat in high-power LEDs. Because the increasing power density of high-power LEDs requires more efficient heat dissipation, large heat sinks are necessary to ensure their performance and reliability. Presently, LEDs have high thermal resistances (see the LRC’s study on Characterizing the Thermal Resistance Coefficient of LEDs for more on this concept). A lower thermal resistance would help relieve the heat problems faced by many high-power dies, allowing for even higher power operation to produce more light.
Investigating the Optical Properties of Phosphor to Improve White LED Performance
Project Sponsor: Lighting Research Center
The LRC is exploring the transmission, reflection, and absorption characteristics of YAG:Ce phosphor used in white LEDs. Laboratory experiments are being conducted to understand the wavelength dependency of these characteristics as a function of phosphor density. Knowing how different wavelengths of light interact with the phosphor allows for more accurate modeling of remote phosphor white LED packages, and thus allows for further improvement in light output and color properties.
Applied and Field Research
Investigation of PV-LED Lighting Systems for Airport Runways
Project Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
The LRC is conducting a laboratory study of photovoltaic (solar) LED lighting systems for use in airport runway lighting applications. The study will explore performance issues for the systems and their components. The LRC also will propose a photovoltaic LED lighting system that shows better performance than existing systems for this application.
Evaluation of Runway Guard Lights
Project Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
In this project, the LRC will compare the functioning of runway guard lights using LEDs to those using traditional incandescent light sources. The study will determine the relative intensity requirements for LED runway guard lights to provide the same conspicuity as those using existing technology.
An Energy-Efficient LED Module for PV-Powered Lighting Systems
Project Sponsor: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Project Team: Applied NanoWorks, Marktech Optoelectronics, Momentive Performance Materials
The LRC is working closely with three high-tech companies in New York State to develop and commercialize an energy-efficient, easy-to-use, snap-in LED module designed for photovoltaic-powered lighting systems. This LED module will not only provide high-quality, energy-efficient light, but will also make LEDs much easier for luminaire manufacturers to use in a wide range of luminaire types.
Advanced, Energy-Efficient LED Lighting for Residential and Commercial Lighting Applications
Project Sponsors: California Energy Commission, Architectural Energy Corporation
Project Team: Lightolier
The LRC is working with Lightolier to develop an advanced, energy-efficient LED lighting system for general lighting applications in homes and similar commercial settings. The lighting system that will be developed in this project will be based on the LRC's patent-pending SPE™ (scattered photon extraction) technology, which has been shown to significantly improve the efficacy and light output of current generation LED technology. The LED downlight to be developed in this project has a target efficacy of 100 lumens per watt, far exceeding current incandescent, LED, and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) technologies. The primary market for the new LED lighting system will be ambient lighting applications in residential and some hospitality and institutional applications.
Development of an Energy-Efficient, Ultra-Thin LED Luminaire
Project Sponsor: California Energy Commission's Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) Program
In this project, the LRC will determine the feasibility of developing an energy-efficient, ultra-thin LED-based luminaire that will effectively replace downlights, accent lights, and wall-wash luminaires using incandescent and halogen technologies and allow energy-efficient lighting to be used in a wider array of applications than is possible with current technologies. Download the project summary sheet. 
Novel Microlens Materials for Beam Control in Thin-profile LED Luminaires
Project Sponsors: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, RPC Photonics
In this project, the LRC and RPC Photonics will advance the development of microlens materials for beam shaping. The lens materials will be used in the development of an ultra-thin LED luminaire.
Electronic Walls and Ceilings Offer Adaptable Solid-State Lighting
Project Sponsor: ASSIST
The LRC and the Alliance for Solid-State Illumination Systems and Technologies (ASSIST) are working to develop a flexible interior infrastructure that will integrate solid-state lighting with other building materials and systems. The design includes interchangeable, modular panels with integrated LED lighting fixtures that are part of an electrical network. ASSIST and the LRC are pursuing avenues to advance the concept, including collaboration with manufacturers to build a commercial product with a standard, open architecture; and a demonstration project in a high-profile concept building where the public can see the benefits. The group is seeking sponsors and stakeholders who can help realize the program goal. Download the project brochure.
Metrics and Measurement Procedures for LED Lighting Systems
Project Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration, Center of Excellence for Airport Technology
The FAA is exploring the use of LED technology on airfields and at airports around the country. However, the standards and metrics that the FAA has used with traditional lighting may not work well for LEDs. The LRC will research and recommend new metrics and measurement methods related to LED systems, which can then be used by the FAA for selecting and using LED systems in aviation-related applications.
Developing Methods to Improve the Detectability of LED Fixtures with IR Cameras
Project Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration, Center of Excellence for Airport Technology
The LRC will conduct a laboratory study to identify the required infrared (IR) signature, wavelength, and minimum energy in that wavelength band in order to develop solutions that would enable the detection of LED systems with IR cameras.
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