Thursday, May 31, 2012

Lighting Science Group...$140 Million Raise of Equity Funding and Commitments



Riverwood Capital Leads New Round of Funding for One of the World's Leading Makers of LED Lighting Products to Help it Meet Growing Product Demand

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSCG), one of the world's leading LED lighting manufacturers, announced today that it has completed the final round in a series of private placements totaling approximately $140 million in equity funding and commitments, of which approximately $88 million is new equity funding and commitments and approximately $52 million represents the conversion of certain bridge financings occurring since the fourth quarter of 2011.

The proceeds from the new equity funding and commitments will be used to finance the Company's growth, expand its manufacturing capabilities, and enhance its leadership position in developing innovative energy-efficient LED lighting products for consumer and commercial applications in both the public and private sectors. This new round of funding will help the Company meet the growing demand for products from its distribution networks, including commercial networks (such as real estate owner/operators, retailers, and hospitality), public sector networks (such as the military and municipalities), and consumer networks (such as large-volume home improvement centers). Additionally, approximately $10 million will be used to retire a related-party obligation.

The funding was led by Riverwood Capital, a globally-focused private equity firm that invests in high-growth businesses in the technology and services industries. Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. and its affiliates, Lighting Science Group's majority owner, also participated in the equity financing in an amount equal to approximately $55 million, pursuant to an investment of approximately $33 million and an equity commitment of up to approximately $22 million.

Additionally, two executives who have previously worked with Riverwood Capital and some of its portfolio companies will be joining Lighting Science Group as senior managers—Brad Knight as Chief Operating Officer and Keith Scott as Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Knight brings more than two decades of hands-on experience with international startups and turnarounds in a wide range of technology, product and service companies. He has held senior executive positions at Flextronics and Adaptix and currently serves as a Managing Director at Riverwood Solutions. Mr. Scott has served in both the role of CEO as well as sales and marketing executive in the energy, consumer electronics and contract manufacturing industries with companies such as Ultracell, Alien Technology and Flextronics. 
Moelis & Company acted as placement agent in connection with the private placement.

About Lighting Science Group Corporation
Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSCG) designs, develops, manufactures and markets LED lighting solutions that are environmentally friendlier and more energy efficient than traditional lighting products. Lighting Science Group offers retrofit LED lamps in form factors that match those of traditional lamps or bulbs and LED luminaires designed for a range of applications including public and private infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor use. Lighting Science Group's Advanced Projects Group business unit designs, develops and manufactures custom LED lighting solutions for architectural and artistic projects. Lighting Science Group is headquartered in Satellite Beach, Florida; the Company's European operations are based in Middelburg, The Netherlands; and the Company has a sales office in Sydney, Australia. Lighting Science Group employs approximately 1,000 workers building lighting products from domestic and imported parts. More information about Lighting Science Group is available at www.lsgc.com.

About Riverwood Capital
Riverwood Capital is a globally-focused private equity firm that invests in high-growth businesses in the technology and services industries, across a variety of verticals and geographies. Riverwood has offices in Menlo Park, CA and New York, NY and currently has more than 20 investments in North America, Latin America and Asia. Please visit www.riverwoodcapital.com.

About Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.
Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. is a private equity fund manager that has over 15 years of experience providing creative capital solutions to companies impacted by global trends in resource scarcity. By creating a close working partnership between their experienced investment professionals and a seasoned team of Operating Partners, Pegasus is able to create substantial growth within its portfolio. Pegasus manages approximately $2.9 billion in assets.

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the performance of Lighting Science Group and its products and/or use terminology such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "plan," "project," "seek," "target," "soon," "will," "first of many" and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such statements reflect the current view of Lighting Science Group with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. In evaluating these statements, you should carefully review the risk factors detailed under "Risk Factors" in our most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
 



Source: Lighting Science Group Corporation

LED Fresnel Lighting

 Litepanels recently announced the Sola ENG™ LED Fresnel lighting kit in an FAA Carry-on size case.
“Our new Sola ENG Flight Kit is ideal for news and other professional videographers who are on the road,” said Chris Marchitelli, Litepanels VP of Global Marketing. “The Sola ENG fixtures can be quickly deployed for reporter standups, interviews, or lighting a small area.”

The Sola ENG Flight Kit consists of three LED-based light Fresnel fixtures and accessories including stands, gels, power supplies and cables, barndoors, soft box, a custom rolling case and more. Battery or A/C powered, the Sola ENG is designed for on-camera and portable use. Each fixture offers focusable output comparable to a 125W HMI yet requires only 30W to power it. These versatile lights are designed for easy travel, quick set-up and operation.

At just 30 pounds (13.60 kg), the new LED-based light kit can be carried onboard commercial planes and stows neatly in overhead bins. The compact, yet powerful fixtures offer a fully dimmable and focusable daylight balanced source, that’s ideal for working on the fly. Shooters on the go will appreciate the retractable extension handle and smooth-rolling polyurethane wheels on the custom Pelican case.

 Litepanels is part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company. www.litepanels.com


About Vitec Videocom
Vitec Videocom brings together some of the most respected, most innovative and most sought-after brands in the industry: Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Litepanels, OConnor, Petrol, Sachtler, Vinten and Vinten Radamec. It acts as an endorsing brand for these market-leading broadcast, film and pro video products, encouraging multi-brand system sales and simplifying the way that customers worldwide do business.
Vitec Videocom is an operating division within the Vitec Group, an international business serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military aerospace and government markets. Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers rely on worldwide.
Vitec Videocom – innovative products around the camera.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Full Color Microdisplay

WUXGA OLED-XL Microdisplay Selected for Innovation Zone Exhibit; eMagin Also Tapped to Present at SID 8th Annual Investors Conference on June 5


 
BELLEVUE, Wash. and HOPEWELL JUNCTION, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 29, 2012-- The world’s highest resolution, full color microdisplay, opening the door to a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer products and applications, will be introduced at next week’s Society for Information Display (SID) conference by eMagin Corporation (NYSE Amex: EMAN), a leader in Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) microdisplays and virtual imaging technologies.

The new full-color WUXGA OLED-XLTM microdisplay will be unveiled in eMagin’s show booth (#539) from June 5 - 7 and has also been selected for inclusion in the SID conference’s Innovation Zone or I-Zone exhibit area. Attendees will be able to view and wear the prototype head-mounted display offering them full-stereo, 1920 x1200 high resolution image and an astonishing 3D immersive reality experience.

“Our breakthrough technology is a further improvement to our already commercialized active matrix OLED microdisplays used in military and commercial applications,” said Andrew G. Sculley, president and CEO of eMagin Corporation. “This technology offers enormous potential to original equipment manufacturers and product developers in a broad range of markets including diagnostic equipment and medical devices, simulation and training, homeland security and first responders, aviation, industrial and augmented reality.”
The company has also been selected to present an overview of its technology, products, markets and growth strategy at SID’s 8th Annual Investors Conference, sponsored by Cowen and Company. The presentation will be made by Mr. Sculley and Paul Campbell, Chief Financial Officer, on Tuesday, June 5 at 4:45 PM.

About eMagin Corporation
A leader in OLED microdisplay technology and personal display systems, eMagin integrates high-resolution OLED microdisplays with magnifying optics to deliver virtual images comparable to large-screen computer and television displays in portable, low-power, lightweight personal displays. eMagin microdisplays provide near-eye imagery in a variety of products from military, industrial, medical and consumer OEMs. More information about eMagin is available at www.emagin.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including those regarding eMagin Corporation's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company's most recent filings with the SEC. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The business and operations of the Company are subject to substantial risks which increase the uncertainty inherent in forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

 Source: eMagin Corporation

Friday, May 25, 2012

Microscope with LED illumination for biomedical applications

Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems launches the new Leica DM4000 B LED - a microscope system with innovative LED illumination optimally suited for biomedical applications.
The specially designed LED transmitted light illumination solution is perfectly integrated in the microscope automation covering a wide range of microscopy applications. LED illumination produces constant color temperature at all intensity levels without heat buildup and thus enables stable results. High luminance and optimal color reproduction provide brilliant images with a clear differentiation of the colors in the sample. With at least 50.000 hours lifetime, the LED illumination is very cost effective; frequent bulb changes are no longer necessary.

Advantages for biomedical research

Thanks to intelligent automation the Leica DM4000 B LED sets parameters for transmitted light and fluorescence illumination according to user’s selection of contrast method and magnification. Most recently used settings are stored and recalled automatically – saving time and allowing the user to focus on the application and not technology. The fully automated fluorescence axis with apochromatic light path provides brilliant images with stunning contrast. Intelligent automation also means: high-quality, publication ready images and maximum reproducability for reliable data analysis.

Ideal for clinical applications

The Leica DM4000 B LED is well suited for clinical applications, e.g. pathology applications with H&E or IHC stained slides. Its special transmitted light modes may be adjusted according to applications and user’s preferences. Repetitive movements are reduced thanks to the intelligent automation along with the ergonomic design.

Integrated system solution

Leica Microsystems offers a complete imaging system from one source: With Leica’s extensive line of color and fluorescence cameras there is a solution for different requirements like high resolution and quick live image. The Leica Application Suite software package fully integrates the Leica DM4000 B LED microscope and digital camera into an optimized system for visualization, storage and documentation of microscope images. The Leica AF6000 advanced fluorescence imaging systems featuring LAS AF software are ideal for very fast, multidimensional fluorescence scans and processing, including live cell time-lapse experiments, multi-positioning and deconvolution. 

Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments. Founded as a family business in the nineteenth century, the company’s history was marked by unparalleled innovation on its way to becoming a global enterprise.
Its historically close cooperation with the scientific community is the key to Leica Microsystems’ tradition of innovation, which draws on users’ ideas and creates solutions tailored to their requirements. At the global level, Leica Microsystems is organized in four divisions, all of which are among the leaders in their respective fields: the Life Science Division, Industry Division, Biosystems Division and Medical Division.
Leica Microsystems’ Biosystems Division, also known as Leica Biosystems, offers histopathology laboratories the most extensive product range with appropriate products for each work step in histology and for a high level of productivity in the working processes of the entire laboratory.
The company is represented in over 100 countries with 12 manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The company is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

Microscope System Leica DM4000 B LED for Biomedical Research

Thursday, May 24, 2012

LED Street Light for Under $200

MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA – May 14, 2012 – Leotek Electronics USA Corp., a leading supplier of LED street lights, announces the release and availability of the ECObra-head™ designed to replace traditional high intensity discharge “cobra-head” style roadway luminaires. The ECObra-head™ utilizes new state-of-the-art light emitting diodes which provide many times the light output of previous generation of LEDs. Featuring Leotek’s precision micro-lens optical systems, these luminaires are designed to replace 50W to 400W HID luminaires while achieving typical energy savings of over 60%.

Using a new patent-pending, internal thermal management system; the LED junction temperatures are controlled without the necessity of external heat fins providing a cleaner appearance. Combined with moderate drive currents, this thermal management system assures that the LEDs will continue burning with minimal depreciation of light output for decades.

Perhaps most remarkably, these new street lights are being marketed for under $200 in lower wattage configurations.

“Although there are many LED street lights on the market, Leotek has always identified HID products as being our primary competitor,” notes Chris Nye, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Leotek. “With this breakthrough in pricing levels, tremendous energy savings, and reduction in maintenance costs; cities, DOTs and utilities can now achieve much faster financial paybacks from changing out their HID street lights than ever before”.

For more information about the ECObra-head™ LED street light, please contact an authorized Leotek Sales Representative, or visit www.leotek.com.

 About Leotek
Leotek Electronics USA Corp., located in Silicon Valley, California since 1997, and celebrating 20-years as an LED lighting manufacturer, is globally recognized as a pioneer in light-emitting diode (LED) technology.  With millions of LED products installed throughout the United States, as well as on a global scale, Leotek offers a history of proven performance.  The company manufactures innovative LED lighting products for applications encompassing traffic and transit; street and area; petroleum, convenience, grocery and retail stores.

Leotek is committed to developing emerging solid-state technology that offers greater longevity and environmental viability than traditional lighting sources, while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.  Leotek, “The Leader in Electro-Optics Technology,” continues to lead the next generation with LED Green Technology.  For more information, please visit www.leotek.com.



Toshiba Corporation LED Lighting agreement with the Louvre Museum

Toshiba to light up the Mona Lisa with LED and extend partnership with Louvre to interior lighting -
The Cour Napoleon lighting renovation reaches completion

Paris, Tokyo—Toshiba Corporation announced that it has reached a basic agreement with the Louvre Museum to replace part of the interior lighting of the Louvre with its own LED lighting.

This is Phase 2 of a renovation project that Toshiba Corporation and the Louvre Museum have pursued in partnership since 2010. This next project phase will see renovation of LED lighting in important interior spaces of the museum. It includes specific exhibit lighting for Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, and for the Red Rooms, which display famous masterpieces such as Jacques-Louis David's Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine, as well as the Napoleon Hall, the Louvre's main entrance.


As part of the project, a dedicated lighting system will be installed for the Mona Lisa, and the Red Rooms' ceiling fixtures will be converted to LED by the end of May 2013. Lighting in the Napoleon Hall is expected be converted to LED by the first half of 2014.

Under a partnership agreement with the Louvre (term: June 30, 2010 to December 31, 2023), Toshiba has already lit up parts of the Louvre's exterior, including I.M. Pei's Pyramid. The implementation of the second phase of the project is testament to the successful collaboration between Toshiba and the Louvre Museum in balancing environmental and aesthetic considerations during the exterior lighting renovation phase.

Part of the LED lighting replacement work, which included the Pyramid, Pyramidion and the Colbert Pavilion, was completed last December, and installation of LED lighting for the whole of Cour Napoleon, the first phase of lighting renovation, was completed on May 12. It has taken approximately two years, since the project commenced in June 2010, for all the lighting in the Cour Napoleon to be converted to LED. Renovation of LED lighting in the Cour Carre is also scheduled to complete in 2013.

Through the renovation of exterior lighting, Toshiba and the Louvre Museum is reducing power consumption by 73% without compromising the visual beauty of the museum. The renovation process involved repeated consultations with the Historical Monuments Committee and the Architecture and Heritage Service. This partnership has pursued artistic integrity in the LED lighting from every conceivable perspective: the shape of the fixtures, illumination brightness, color tone and installation angle, to achieve a lighting finish that respects the scenery of Paris. The fusion of French artistry with Japanese technology that Toshiba has promoted has been realized ultimately through numerous innovations. Toshiba will continue to refine its technical skills in the pursuit of the potential of LED lighting.

Since April 2010 Toshiba Corporation has undertaken new lighting projects on a global scale as part of its approach to creating a new lighting culture in harmony with people and the environment. Toshiba perceives this project as an important exemplar of how to extend the longevity and sustain the aesthetic integrity of world heritage sites. As one of the world's foremost eco-conscious companies, Toshiba will further enhance its technical capabilities through experience gained at the Louvre, while contributing to global culture and the mitigation of environmental burdens.

Outline of Partnership Agreement for Phase 2 of the Louvre Museum LED Lighting
1. Main content Toshiba Corporation will supply LED lighting for the Mona Lisa, the Red Rooms and Napoleon Hall and provide financial support for the renovation. The number of fixtures has not yet been determined.
Installation location  Scheduled completion
Mona Lisa             May 2013 (plan)       
Red Rooms  May 2013 (plan)
Napoleon Hall ceiling  First half of 2014 (plan)         
Napoleon Hall staircase 
Rotondo ceiling (Sully Wing corridor)
2. Term of the AgreementFrom May 18 2012 to December 31 2024

The Louvre Museum's Mona Lisa, Red Rooms and Napoleon Hall

Mona Lisa (1503~1506)
Leonard Da Vinci's portrait, regarded as symbolic of the Renaissance. It is one of the most popular works in the whole of the Louvre. That distinctive smile is known as the "Mona Lisa smile" and has beguiled many. The Mona Lisa shows skillful use of techniques like the aerial perspective as well as sfumato (soft-edge), the painting mode devised by Da Vinci, and has had a profound effect on western painting.

The Red Rooms
These display rooms showcase a series of great masterpieces representative of the 19th century. The rooms are visited by the majority of museum visitors for the spectacle of large-scale works like David's Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine and Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, all exhibited on their red walls.

Napoleon Hall
This is the main entrance of the Louvre, the face of the museum that greets all visitors. Located on the lower ground floor, it houses the ticket box and information desk.
For further information on Toshiba's collaboration with the Louvre, please visit  http://www.toshiba.co.jp/lighting/about/louvre.htm

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

LED Fiber Optic Light Medical Module

Excelitas Technologies recently announced the addition of the XLM Plus LED Fiber Optic Light Module with Electronics, suitable for integration into endoscopy, surgical microscopy, and headlamp applications.

It provides light output comparable to 180 W Xenon sources, and adds the benefits of LED lighting: long life, less heat output than Xenon, and virtually no ultraviolet or infrared radiation, eliminating the need for filtering.

The unit includes integrated electronic circuitry for safety alarms, error mode, and power status indicators. The XLM Plus operates on 12V DC or 24V DC input. Light intensity can be varied by constant current and/or by an internal or external pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, which enables users to control light output while maintaining a stable Correlated Color Temperature.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

LED Market Research - LEDs Used in Night Vision Imaging System Compatible Lighting

Market Overview by, Stephen Montgomery - ElectroniCast


This is overview discusses the ElectroniCast forecast of global market consumption of packaged light emitting diodes (LEDs), also known as component-level bulbs, used in Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatible lighting for non-civilian use, such as military, law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS) and related.

A night vision device (NVD) comprises of an Infrared (IR) image intensifier tube in a rigid casing, commonly used by military forces and other non-civilian sectors; however, night vision technology has become more widely available for civilian use, for example, EVS, or enhanced vision systems are finding their way into private aircraft and vehicles. Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 and 300 micrometers, which equates to a frequency range between approximately 1 and 430 terahertz (THz).

Night vision goggles (NVG) combined with magnification lenses constitutes night vision binoculars. Other types include monocular night vision devices with only one eyepiece, which may be mounted to firearms as night sights. NVG and EVS technologies are becoming standard operating products on helicopter operations to improve safety. Light emitting diodes used in Night Vision Imaging Systems must provide an environment that will not have near infrared (NIR) noise, which would interfere with the nighttime sensitivity of the NVGs.  It is important to note that night vision compatibility (NVC) is only achieved when the design of the lighting equipment allows for proper use with and without the NVIS, at night or during the day.


In this study report, we provide a detailed  market forecast for LEDs that have night vision compatibility in relationship to night vision imaging systems (NVIS)

NVIS are passive systems, which have a very high sensitivity to radiation in the approximate region of 600nm to 930nm (orange to near infrared). The NVIS work by converting photons from the outside night scene onto a micro-displayed visible image. The NVIS will amplify the nighttime scene approximately 2000 times. To protect the image intensifier assembly, the systems are equipped with an automatic gain control (AGC), which will aperture down the NVIS when exposed to bright lights in the region of approximately 600nm to 930nm. If displays or light sources are not NVIS compatible, the automatic gain control will activate and the NVIS will become proportionally less sensitive to nighttime objects outside of the cockpit.

The Department of Defense (United States) published the MIL-STD-3009 Standard for lighting, aircraft, night vision imaging system compatibility, which specifies the interface and performance requirements for aircraft lighting and display equipment that is intended to be used along with NVIS. This specification defines aircraft interior lighting standards for sources such as cockpit displays and caution / warning lights, for both day and nighttime operating conditions. NVIS filters designed for avionic applications must incorporate NIR attenuation properties, chromaticity, contrast for daylight readability and often EMI/RFI shielding. The MIL-STD-3009 superseded MIL-L-85762A standard. This standard also includes provisions for white light sources and for “leaky green” requirements.

The light emitting diodes in a display heavily influence its color, contrast, and NVIS radiance (NR) properties. White, green, and red light emitting diodes with certain spectral emission can be adjusted with filters to produce displays that comply with various NVIS color coordinates and NVIS Radiance (NR) specifications described in MIL-STD-3009. Meeting both color and Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Radiance limits can be challenging. Each application is unique and always involves certain constraints, such as space limitations or production methods, that may require a specific approach in order meet compliance. 

Filters are ideal for many commercial and military applications, including crew-station displays for aircraft and ground vehicles, as well as portable display systems in personal digital assistants (PDA), palmtops, laptops, etc. Plastic Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) filters are the ideal method for making virtually any light source compatible with NVIS, NVG, NVD, or any other night-vision apparatus. Plastic filters are extremely durable. Where all-glass filters might fracture, lightweight plastic material survives the most demanding real-world environments.

Quantitative Analysis             LEDs face the challenge of creating definitive positions in the NVIS illumination market, as competing lighting solutions (technologies) are readily available and accepted. While this does not limit the potential success of LEDs, it does create some challenges.  This report provides an independent examination and analysis of the changing market dynamics for LEDs used in selected end-use applications. The LED market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)
·        Quantity (number/units)
·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each)

The consumption value is determined by multiplying the number of units by the average selling price. The average selling prices are based on the price of the component-level LED bulbs at the initial factory level.  The consumption values are based on the end-user application and the end-user region.

Regional Segmentation          The market data are segmented into the following geographic regions, plus a Global summary:

  • America
    • United States of America
    • The Rest of the American Region (ROA)
  • EMEA (Europe, Middle Eastern countries, plus Africa)
·        APAC (Asia Pacific)

LED Level Quantified in the ElectroniCast Study          A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a solid-state semiconductor device that converts electrical energy directly into light. On its most basic level, the semiconductor is comprised of two regions. The p-region contains positive electrical charges while the n-region contains negative electrical charges. When voltage is applied and current begins to flow, the electrons move across the n region into the p region. The process of an electron moving through the p-n junction releases energy. The dispersion of this energy produces photons with visible wavelengths.  Below, are four levels (or “food chain”) of LEDs.  For the purposes of THIS ElectroniCast study, we quantify and provide a market forecast for “Level 2”


Level 1 - The chip or die
Level 2 - The LED component (component-level bulb)
Level 3 - LED array; may include optics, heat sink and/or power supply
Level 4 - LED luminaire       

Market Forecast and Analysis by Application              The Night Vision Imaging System LED market is segmented into the following application categories:

·        Military
o       Aircraft
§         Cockpit / Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior Aircraft NVC Lighting
o       Ships/Watercraft
§         Bridge Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting
o       Ground Vehicle
§         Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting
o       Ground Field Command / Man-Portable Devices / Other
§         Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting

·        Law Enforcement / EMS / Emergency Services / Other Non-Civilian
o       Aircraft
§         Cockpit / Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior Aircraft NVC Lighting Aircraft
o       Ships/Watercraft
§         Bridge Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting
o       Ground Vehicle
§         Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting
o       Ground Field Command / Man-Portable Devices / Other
§         Display Panel / Instrument Lighting
§         Other Interior Night Vision Compatible (NVC) Lighting
§         Exterior NVC Lighting



Ship/Watercraft Leads in Consumption          The use of LEDs in Night Vision Imaging System compatible lighting will continue to be dominated by the Military market sector.  The market forecast, by ElectroniCast Consultants, provides second-level (or sub-level) applications under the Military and the Law Enforcement/EMS application sectors. The next-level of detailed is provided in the report text, as well as in the Microsoft Excel database worksheets found in the addendum of the study report. During the 2011-2018 forecast period, as the luminous efficacy techniques improve (Lumens per Watt: lm/W), the LED is being considered for more than (just) indicator lighting. 

The conversion of interior lights in aircraft cockpits and cabins to meet MIL Specifications and civil CASA standards can involve the following conversion techniques, based on cost effectiveness and operational requirement:

  • Replacement of instrument panel glass with filter material
  • Installation of filter material to warning, caution and annunciator indicators
  • Replacement of existing lamps with LED based modular lamps
  • Installation of NVIS compatible bridge and bezel lighting
  • NVG compatible floodlights

These same techniques are also used for the conversion of vehicle driving instruments, ships’ bridge, navigational and control lighting and communication equipment. 

Exterior lighting for ships, aircraft and vehicles can be made Night Vision Goggles (NVG) friendly or dual mode Convert/NVG friendly through:

  • Replacement of bulbs with form and fit compatible LEDs
  • Installation of solid state LED based navigation and anti-collision lights
  • Fitting filters to existing light fittings
  • Addition of Infra Red LEDs for covert navigation and formation lights only visible through NVIS

The MIL-STD-3009 Interface Standard for Lighting, Aircraft, NVIS Compatibility: United States Department of Defense (DoD) document does not specify the type of lighting source; for example: incandescent, Electroluminescent (EL), or LED because, depending on the application, one technology may be better than another.  For example, according to the DoD document, when an aircraft equipped with incandescent lighting is being retrofitted, it is usually easier to retrofit with incandescent lighting than to convert to EL or LED lighting.  When designing an aircraft from the beginning, one type of technology may be preferred because it draws less power, is lighter, or has a longer life.  When procuring lighting components or lighting systems under a “performance specification” philosophy the selection is left to the contractor. 


America Leads in Market Share             The American region held the market share lead in the consumption value of LEDs used in NVIS compatible lighting in 2012.  The American region, led by the United States, is forecast to maintain the lead in relative market share throughout the forecast period; however, the Asia Pacific region is forecast for the fastest growth according to ElectroniCast. 

For more information, contact:




LED Market Research - LED Lamps in India


LED Lamp Consumption in India (Overview), 
by Stephen Montgomery - ElectroniCast 

In 2010, the consumption value of LED lamps in India, which are used in SSL General Lighting, reached $37.95 million; consumption value is forecast to increase at an average annual growth rate of 59.4 percent to $390.53 million in 2015The consumption value is forecast to increase with strongly rising quantity growth partially offset by declining average prices.

The use of LED-based lamps in SSL – General lighting is driven by promised savings in using less energy, longer operating life, as well as maintenance/ labor, since LED lamps last longer than competing technologies, they do not need to be replaced as often and “Green-Tech” (ecology) issues.


Market Forecast Application Categories             This market forecast of consumption is presented by three major End-User categories:

·  Government
·  Commercial/Industrial
·  Residential/Non-Specific

The Commercial/ Industrial group is especially strong in the General Service lamps and PAR lamps; however, MR compatible lamps are forecast to begin replacing halogen-based MR lamps in many retail-type settings (displays and ceiling lighting), thus MR compatible lamps are forecast with an average annual growth rate of 74.5 percent in the Commercial/ Industrial application.  Streetlight type of flood/exterior lighting used in parking lots, campus and landscaping is forecast to maintain a strong presence consumption value, in the Commercial/ Industrial group, especially with the lamp’s high average selling price compared to other-types of lamps.

Residential is forecast with relative strong use in the General Service lamp types; however MR compatible are also forecast with a strong market share, used in modern ceiling lighting and fixtures. 

Street Lighting is forecast to dominate the Government application in terms of consumption value.

Overall, the LED-based Linear (tube) lamp category, which offers an alternative to the standard fluorescent tube lamps, are forecast to remain relatively minor, at least near-term (2010-2015).

The average selling price (ASPs) shown in the ElectroniCast market forecast for the LED lamps used in India, are not retail prices; the prices are based on the price of the LED lamp at the initial factory level (prior to FOB – Free On Board); therefore, shipping expenses and any other value-added items are not included.  The consumption value is then based on the end-use application in India.


For  More Information, contact:




 





LED Market Research - LEDs used in signage and professional displays


Market Overview, By Stephen Montgomery - ElectroniCast

This 2010-2016 market overview is presented for Standard-type versus High Brightness- (HB) type LEDs used in signage and professional displays.

This application category includes covers LEDs that are used in stationary and vehicle-based signs and displays. LEDs are used in building facades, large outdoor video screens, digital billboards, sport/stadium displays, small indoor retail displays, food displays (restaurants/supermarkets), signs on taxis and destination signs on mass-transit vehicles, channel-lettering/light-boxes, LED/LCD TV screens (used exclusively for professional purposes), and the list continues…

High Brightness (HB) light emitting diodes (LEDs), defined by ElectroniCast, are component-level bulbs with a Lumens/Watt rating of 30lm/W and above (>30lm/W); Standard-type LEDs have a Lumen/Watt rating of less than 30lm/W (<30lm/W). The LED market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)
·        Quantity (number/units: Million)
·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each

The forecast for each type, in turn, is segmented into geographical region.  The market data are segmented into the following geographic regions, plus a Global summary:

  • The Americas (North America, Central and South America)
  • EMEA (Europe, Middle Eastern countries, plus Africa)
  • APAC (Asia Pacific)


Below, are four levels (or “food chain”) of LEDs.  For the purposes of THIS ElectroniCast study, we quantify and provide a market forecast for “Level 2”

Level 1 - The chip or die
Level 2 - The LED component (component-level bulb)
Level 3 - LED array; may include optics, heat sink and/or power supply
Level 4 - LED luminaries     



Consumption Value:  The CONSUMPTION VALUE of a LED is determined by the final application (“end-use”) and ownership of that product. For example, a LED component-level bulb produced in APAC and then the component-level bulb ends-up in a new car manufactured in Europe, and then the car is sold and consumed (consumption) in the USA, will be shown in the database as a LED consumed in America (not APAC and not Europe).


Market Forecast, By Region        The 2010 worldwide consumption of light emitting diodes used (consumed) in signage and professional displays reached $1.52 billion. In the year 2016, consumption is forecast to reach $2.78 billion.  The America region (South, Central and North America) led in consumption in 2010 and is forecast to expand in value to nearly $855 million.  The Asia Pacific region (APAC) is expanding at a faster pace in its use of LEDs in this application; growing at and average annual growth rate of 16.4 percent (2010-2016); therefore, by mid-way through the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to take the lead in relative market share.  The Europe, Middle East and African region (EMEA) represented a 24 percent share of global consumption value in 2010 and is also forecast with faster growth than the American region.


 Note: Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.


Consumption Value          In terms of consumption VALUE, high brightness (HB) LEDs held a relative market share of nearly 65 percent in 2010.  HB-LEDs are forecast to maintain the market share lead with 72.5 percent in 2016.  The use of HB-LEDs is forecast to increase from to $983 million in 2010 to $2.015 billion in 2016. 

Consumption Quantity     The market share leader, in terms of volume (the quantity/number of LEDs), are the standard-type LEDs, with 97 percent last year in 2010; however, since there is a huge difference in average selling prices between HB-LEDs and standard LEDs, the HB-LEDs hold the consumption value leadership position.

Average Selling Price        The High-Brightness (HB) category also includes Ultra-High Brightness (UHB) light emitting diodes (LEDs with a Lumen/Watt rating of over 70lm/W).  The ASP for both conventional (standard) and HB LEDs will decrease annually; however, Ultra High Brightness LEDs (UHB-LEDs) prices have a substantial premium over the HB-LEDS, and although currently there is a relatively small use of UHB-LEDs in this application, as the use of UHB-LEDs increase, the over-all effect shows the HB-LED category with only a slight annual decrease, in terms of average selling prices (2010-2016).

Traditional Lighting Technologies Versus LED based Illumination    With on-going evaluations relative to the future of LEDs in architectural illumination; there is a challenge to enter the displacement process versus traditional lighting technologies.  There is the need to overcome misconceptions about the true value proposition of LEDs. While some are seeking to replace existing fixtures with LED light bulbs, others recognize the new paradigms that are evolving.  LEDs offer a new model for light - digital light - with a set of features that completely change the value proposition of light, the relationship between light and information, how consumers experience light, how they control it, how they can use it. 

LEDs in lighting are considered innovation, however, not widely considered an alternative to traditional bulb technology.  They are becoming popular and use is increasing, mainly driven by ecological concerns.  Sometimes this can be reflected in the marketing approaches of LED lighting equipment makers, which focus on the unique and “eye-catching” color-change effects that can be achieved rather than addressing the needs of the professional lighting market.


For More Information, contact:

stephen_montgomery@electronicastconsultants.com

Web:  www.electronicast.com
























[1]  All values and prices in this report are at factory as-shipped levels, and are in current dollars, which include the effect of a forecasted 5 percent annual inflation rate over the forecast period.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Research Paper: GaN nanowires


Gallium Nitride Nanowires Based Nanogenerators and Light-Emitting Diodes


Abstract:
Single crystal n-type GaN nanowires have been grown epitaxially on aMg doped p-type GaN substrate.Piezoelectric nanogneratorsbased onthe GaN nanowires areinvestigated by a conductive AFM, andthe results showedan outputpower density nearly 12.5mW/m2.The luminous LEDmodules based on n-GaN nanowires/p-GaN substrate have been fabricated. CCD imagesof the lighted LED and the correspondingelectroluminescencespectra arerecorded at aforward bias. Moreover, the GaNnanowiresLED can be lit up by the power provided by a ZnO nanowire based nanogenerator, demonstrating a self-powered LED using wurtzite structured nanomaterials.

Source:

Chih-Yen Chen, Guang Zhu, Youfan Hu, Jeng-Wei Yu, Jinhui Song, Kai-Yuan Cheng, Lung-Han Peng, Li-Jen Chou, and Zhong Lin Wang
 
 
ACS Nano, Just Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1021/nn301814w
Publication Date (Web): May 18, 2012
 
Source:  American Chemical Society

LED Market Research


www.electronicast.com


ElectroniCast Consultants Tentative Publication 2012 Schedule

TOPIC                                                                                                
                                     

LED and/or Illumination                
High Brightness (HB) LEDs                                                                  
LED Linear Tube Lamps                                                                 
HB LED Driver ICs                                                                              
LED Lamps Used In Explosion Proof Lighting                                               
LED General Lighting Lamps (United States)                                     
LED General Lighting Lamps (Asia Pacific)                                       
LEDs in Medical/Biophotonics Devices                                                   
LEDs in Solid-State Lighting/General Lighting                                              
LEDs in Signage and Professional Displays                                               
LED General Lighting Lamps (Europe)                                                          
LED General Lighting Lamps (India)                                                 
LED General Lighting Lamps (Australia)                                           
LED General Lighting Lamps (Latin America)                                               
Sapphire Substrates for LED Applications                                         
LED Lighting: Broadcast Video & Filming (USA)                          
LEDs in Night Vision (NVIS) Compatible Lighting                                   
DALI and DMX512 Lighting Control Systems                                               
LED Lighting for Public Transit Vehicles                                               
OLEDs for General Lighting                                                                       
LED Test Equipment