Osram claims luminous intensity record with LED spotlights
The Osram LED spotlight rating of 124,000 candelas in a coverage angle of 7.5 degrees exceeds the required minimum light intensity needed for all spotlight applications tenfold, a company spokesperson said. Yet power consumption is just 60 watt. By way of comparison: one spotlight with a conventional 70-watt high-intensity discharge lamp and a reflector with a 9-degree coverage angle attain a rating of approx 82,000 candela.
In order to attain these high ratings, the phosphors as well as the connection technology were adjusted for optimum results. In addition to innovations in the development of light generating areas, the latest generation of chip technology is also used: the UX:3 by Osram Opto Semiconductors. By means of this technology, LED can be operated with a higher current. Therefore, more light can be decoupled from the chip than is the case with standard technologies. The reason is that the chip power contact is not attached to the semiconductor surface anymore (where it used to cause an uneven lighting distribution) but instead from the side of the die.
Fig. 1: The UX:3 chip technology allows higher currents – and the power supply bond pad does not affect the light emission anymore. For full resolution click here.
The LED module offers luminance on a par with high-intensity discharge lamps. For this reason, it opens up a range of new application options, in particular in shop and architecture illumination. Since the illumination intensity is much higher than in conventional lighting systems, , exhibits or constructions can be illuminated at a greater distance without the visual effect being disturbed. Due to the high lifespan of LED – approx 50,000 hours – maintenance works are no longer required, which can be complicated and costly if the spots are installed for instance in great heights when illuminating churches or castles.
The spokesperson pointed out that the LED spotlight at hand is the result of laboratory research and it is intended for use as a demonstrator. Currently there are no plans to turn it into a product. However, the technology will be transferred to commercial products within the foreseeable future.
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