Northern Light Emitting Diodes Initiative

To date, the most promising technology for illumination market to replace conventional lighting sources is white Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). However, this technology is in an initial stage towards commercialization for general illumination market and the production of conventional white LEDs is highly energy consuming and employs hazardous chemicals for humans and the environment. In order to bring white LEDs to the general illumination market there is a need for development of innovative white LED technology leading to improved device functionalities as white light with high energy efficiency, high color quality independent of operating time, temperature, viewing angle, a uniform luminescence and a low production cost. The overall objective of the NORLED project is to develop an innovative and industrially feasible white LED technology overcoming market barriers and meeting consumers requirements. The project develops an innovative white LED structure free of phosphor and which has a highly efficient luminescence with a comfortable light quality to the human eye. More in detailed, technical objectives are:
- acquisition of new scientific knowledge in growth of fluorescent SiC material for white LEDs
- Production of experimental white emitting diode device with the target luminous flux of 100 lm/w
- Evaluation of innovative technology from scientific, economic and social points of view

Non-technical project prospectives:
- Encouragement of scientists mobility in Nordic countries and Germany
- Increase of Nordic countries competitiveness in solid state lighting market