Electroluminescence is the phenomenon where materials emit light in response to an electric field or current, commonly used in devices like LED displays and lighting. It is a result of radiative recombination of electrons and holes in a semiconductor material, releasing energy as photons.

Electroluminescence

phenomenon where materials emit light

An electric field is a vector field around a charged particle that represents the force exerted on other charges placed within the field. The strength and direction of the electric field are determined by the magnitude and sign of the charge, as well as the distance from the charge.

electric field

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, typically measured in amperes. It is a fundamental aspect of electricity, enabling the operation of electrical devices and the transmission of power across distances.

Electric Current

LED displays

Lighting is the deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects, influencing mood, visibility, and perception of space. It encompasses various sources, techniques, and technologies to enhance functionality and ambiance in environments ranging from residential to commercial and theatrical settings.

lighting

Radiative recombination is a process in semiconductors where an electron recombines with a hole, resulting in the emission of a photon. This phenomenon is fundamental in devices like LEDs and lasers, where light emission is a key function.

radiative recombination

Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative electric charge, fundamental to the structure of atoms and the flow of electricity. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding and are key to understanding quantum mechanics and electromagnetic interactions.

electrons

Holes are defined as the absence of matter in a particular region of space, which can be conceptualized in various contexts such as mathematics, physics, and everyday life. These voids can have significant implications, from the formation of black holes in astrophysics to the study of topology in mathematics, influencing how we understand space and structure.

holes

Semiconductor materials are essential for modern electronics, possessing electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, which can be altered by the introduction of impurities. They are the foundation of devices like transistors, diodes, and solar cells, enabling the functionality of computers, smartphones, and other electronic systems.

semiconductor material

Releasing energy is like letting a toy car go after winding it up, where the car moves because the energy stored in the spring is let out. This happens in many things around us, like when we eat food and our body uses it to play and think, or when a fire burns wood to make heat and light.

releasing energy

Photons are the fundamental particles of light and electromagnetic radiation, possessing both wave-like and particle-like properties, which allows them to exhibit phenomena such as interference and diffraction. They are massless, travel at the speed of light, and are responsible for mediating electromagnetic forces between charged particles.

Your Lessons