Tokyo University students and Matsushita Electric (Panasonic) have created the world’s first light emitting device using nano silicon. The technology produces light that is 50% brighter than a fluorescent lamp and uses no mercury whatsoever, reducing the presence of the toxic substance in our lives.

The prototype generates light by discharging electrons from a <5nm silicon device into xenon gas. The electrons excite the xenon molecules which creates ultraviolet light with a wavelength of around 200nm. Visible light is formed when the ultraviolet light collides with a phosphor element.

Theoretically, it would consume less power than current fluorescent lighting, which places it well above light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the green stakes.

The technology will be presented at the International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference which starts July 13 in Poland.

Sources:
Tech On
Via Far East Gizmos