The hot new lighting technology is LED. But are Laser Diodes in our future? BMW announced in a press release, that it intends to replace LED headlights with Laser diode headlights in the future. The reason for the future switch is apparent in the light’s properties:
“It is also what is known as a “coherent” light source, which means that its waves have a constant phase difference. As a result, laser lighting can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs….Also, the high inherent efficiency of laser lighting means that laser headlights have less than half the energy consumption of LED headlights….The intensity of laser light poses no possible risks to humans, animals or wildlife when used in car lighting. Amongst other things, this is because the light is not emitted directly, but is first converted into a form that is suitable for use in road traffic. The resulting light is very bright and white. It is also very pleasant to the eye and has a very low energy consumption.”
With the variety of coral loving wavelengths already available in laser diodes, there might be potential to use this technology as a light source. Where is Doctor Evil when we need him?
[BMW]
