Researchers Develop Nanofiber-Based Technology to Make Energy-Efficient Lighting

At the core of RTI's breakthrough is an advanced nanofiber structure that provides exceptional lighting management. Nanofibers are materials with diameters and surface features much smaller than the human hair but with comparable lengths.

This video describes RTI's development of a polymer nanofiber material with nanoscale properties that provides cost-effective management of visible light in a solid-state lighting device. Prototypes of unique lighting device designs incorporating this breakthrough are also shown in the video. These device prototypes produce full-spectrum white light more efficiently than standard incandescent or fluorescent lights and also provide excellent color-rendering performance. The project is funded by the Department of Energy.

"By using flexible photoluminescent nanofiber technologies for light management, RTI has opened the door to the creation of new designs for solid-state lighting applications," says Lynn Davis, Ph.D., director of RTI's Nanoscale Materials Program. "This new class of materials can provide cost-effective, safe and efficient lighting solutions."

Additionally, RTI's technology produces an aesthetically pleasing light with better color rendering properties than is typically found in CFLs. The technology has demonstrated color rendering indices in excess of 90 for warm white, neutral white, and cool white illumination sources.

"Because lighting consumes almost one-fourth of all electricity generated in the United States, our technology could have a significant impact in reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions," Davis said. "The technology also does not contain mercury, which makes it more environmentally friendly and safer to handle than CFLs and other fluorescent lamps."

It is anticipated that commercial products containing this breakthrough will be available in three to five years.

Provided by RTI International