Ultra-efficient solid-state lighting: Likely characteristics, economic benefits, technological approaches

Technologies for artificial lighting have made tremendous progress over the centuries. At this point in time, there is virtually no question that solid-state lighting (SSL) will eventually displace its predecessor technologies. A remaining question, however, is what the final efficiency of SSL will be. In this talk, we give a perspective on the future of SSL, with a focus on ultra-high(>70%) efficiencies. We ask, and sketch answers to, three questions. First, what are some of the likely characteristics of ultra-efficient SSL? Second, what are some of the economic benefits of ultraefficient SSL? And, third, what are some of the challenges associated with various possible technological approaches to ultra-efficient SSL?