LED-technology

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is an electronic component (semiconductor) which lights up when electricity runs through it. If electricity is conducted through the diode, one of the atoms in the material (within the semiconductor chip) strikes up to a higher energy level. The atoms in the first material than have too much energy and then try to release it. This happens because the atoms donate electrons to the other material in the chip. During this energy transfer light is created. The color of the light from the LED is determined by the materials and processors which the chip contains.

The applicability of LED was limited by the low light output, but since modern technology and development that has changed. See also the history of the LED.