Visible Light from Semiconductors

Electroluminescence from semiconductor diode light sources can occur as a result of the application of a direct current at a low voltage to a suitably doped crystal containing a p-n junction. In recent years, it has become apparent that in some materials the efficiency of conversion of electric energy to visible light can be appreciably high. Since light-emitting diodes are compatible with the present electronic circuitry, they have many potential applications.