The light emitting diode, or LED, emits less heat than a traditional incandescent lightbulb, and it also lasts much longer. But where did these brilliant diodes come from?
Stuff of Genius tells the story behind everyday inventions. From the bikini to super wheat and everything in between. Viewers will learn the stories of unsung inventor heroes and their trials, tribulations and successes.
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Behold… the light emitting diode, or LED.
But where did it come from?
Meet Nick Holonyak, Jr., born in Illinois in 1928.
Although Nick was born in the US, his parents had immigrated from the Carpathian mountains of Europe.
During Nick’s childhood his father traveled widely, working primarily as a miner.
Nick was the first member of his family to receive formal schooling.
Eventually Nick earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois.
During this time he worked with Dr. John Bardeen, who later co-invented the transistor.
Over the course of his career Nick has made numerous discoveries, improvements and breakthroughs – but he’s best known for one invention that outshines the rest: The light emitting diode, or LED.
But what is it, exactly?
First, let’s start with diodes.
Diodes are simple semiconductors, and the conductor material is usually aluminum-gallum-arsenide.
The flow of electrons in this material can produce light more efficiently than a traditional incandescent bulb.
LEDs last much longer than light bulbs, and they produce much less heat.
For this achievement, Nick is sometimes known as the “father of the light emitting diode.”
As subsequent researchers revised his invention, the LED has spread from the labs at General Electric to countries, cities and homes throughout the planet.
