November 3, 2009: Light from Molecules

Not satisfied with traditional LEDs, researchers in South Korea and Spain have developed an organic molecule that emits orange and blue light in the proper ratio to form pure white light. In the past, molecularly produced light has always had a colored tint, sharply limiting its uses.

At the moment, the molecule is significantly less energy efficent than a normal LED, but this, says the scientists, was just proof of concept. But when production brings down the costs, these mini-mini-mini-bulbs will have a broad range of applications, from clothes to personal electronics. Yep, the world of Ultra-Tech is one day closer.

-- Paul Chapman