It has been 28 years since the white LED launched, which Nichia realized by combining a blue LED with yellow phosphor. Since then, LED technology has replaced incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps, becoming the predominant light source. The performance of LEDs continues to evolve daily, and now their luminous efficiency can well exceed 200 lm/W, enabling spaces to be brightly illuminated with even less energy. By developing LEDs that can contribute to energy saving, Nichia aims to support people's lives under rising energy costs. On the other hand, as the demand for LED lighting is no longer solely focused on luminous efficiency, Nichia is broadening its perspective in LED development. Nichia will continue its research and development efforts daily on characteristics beyond luminous efficiency.

“HCL” is a term that has become widely used in the lighting industry in recent years. This is an abbreviation for Human Centric Lighting. Generally, HCL is defined as “lighting that is useful for human health both physically and mentally” and is commonly understood as “tunable lighting,” which changes the color of light according to the daily rhythm of life. However, Nichia takes a broader view of HCL, defining it as “lighting that supports a richer and more comfortable life through the effects of light,” and Nichia is dedicated to developing LEDs that deliver such light every day.

The idea of enriching and making life more comfortable through the effects of light might not immediately resonate with readers, but what if lighting could do the following things for example?

• What if people could wake up feeling refreshed through LED lighting, even in a dark room that does not get morning sunlight?
• What if things illuminated by LED lighting could be seen as clearly and sharply as when people were younger?
• What if it looked like an ordinary LED lighting fixture but also helped maintain cleanliness in the space at the same time?
• Etc.

Nichia is striving to make such dream-like possibilities a reality.

In the next post, Nichia will introduce lights and LEDs that can support waking up refreshed in the morning.