From Edison to LEDs The Science and Story of Light Sources

From the earliest eras, light has always been a fascinating resource for humankind. From pre-historic to modern times, man evolved while harnessing this source of illumination through a variety of techniques.This book retells the stories behind the technologies -- interesting historical anecdotes and fascinating scientific facts behind the various modern methods for generating light and illuminating the world. From the groundbreaking inventions of Edison and Swan to the revolutionary advancements in laser technology to the advent of the energy-efficient LEDs, and more. While the main focus of this narrative is on sources of visible light, it also delves into several devices that produce invisible radiation as a significant part of centuries' worth of innovation.Offering a thorough exploration of familiar and unusual light sources, this comprehensive book encompasses historical and technical viewpoints. By providing this holistic approach, readers can gain a deeper understanding of modern advancements in the field as they relate to historical origins and applications. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in optical sciences, particularly those involved in the generation, detection, or utilization of electromagnetic radiation.