The light-emitting principle of fireflies inspires the development of high-efficiency LED lamps

2022 09/03

This more efficient light source was inspired by the discovery of jagged scales inside fireflies that enhance the creature's glow. A covering on the LED light simulates the function of the scale and reduces the energy required by the LED light.

The photosensitive material coating on the LED lights mimics the function of firefly scales, improving energy efficiency and reducing the amount of energy required to illuminate.

"The most important aspect of this research is that it shows how much we can learn by looking closely at nature," says Annick Bey, a Ph.D. at the University of Namur in Belgium. In fireflies, a certain amount of light is absorbed by The cuticle of its shell reflects back into the lantern. But in some fireflies, this reflection can be reduced by the arrangement of jagged scales, which means more light spills out and makes the fireflies appear brighter.

A coating of light-sensitive materials on the LED lights mimics the function of these fireflies' scales, improving not only energy efficiency but also reducing the amount of energy needed to illuminate. "We referenced the structure of the edge of the factory roof, because the top of the scales bulges out and is a little sloping, kind of like a factory roof," says Annick Bey. As an added bonus, this energy-efficient coating can Applied to current LED lights.