Will SSL Displace ALL Conventional Sources?
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Here is a question raised by SSL pundits, who claim that eventually SSL will replace all conventional sources. This is incredible, since we all know that virtually every source of light, from oil lamps, candles and gas-lighting, to electric lighting, invented in the history of mankind are still in use to some degree today. In fact, candle sales today are as strong as ever. No, we don't light offices with candles or gas, but that's a matter of economics and luminous need. The greater the light energy required, the less older technologies apply. In very low light conditions, the less we see the application of HID and fluorescent. I would venture the guess that the use of CFL and HID sources for romantic bubble baths is as rare as the use of candles for office illumination. Every sources has its place in direct relationship to its luminous power, aesthetic and emotional context, and economic sensitivities. Since SSL sources from LEDs to OLEDs and PLEDs have a far reaching range of performance, color, and efficiency, is it possible that we will witness the displacement of all other sourcves over time?
Or, will these new electronics based sources simply step into the market to occupy their own space, displacing some in many applications (like fluorescent has the incandescent lamp in commercial space) while leaving others untouched?
Will we be forced by legislation, economics, and environmental concerns to abandon 7,000 years of lighting practice to move toward SSL exclusively?
Or, is SSL nothing more that a hyped up, foundation-less technology that will never actually reach the lofty heights of success being pumped by Press Releases to support inflated unrealistic promises made to venture backed funding sources?
Your composite attitude and opinion of the technology, and its place in illumination, will answer all of these questions in the long term. Sharing your thoughts here will provide insight into just what direction all of this is likely to take in the near term.
KLW
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