High Efficiency Nanocomposite White Light Phosphors

75963S Today, 23% of electricity production in the United States is consumed by lighting; yet current technologies (i.e., incandescent and fluorescent sources) operate at a mere 15% or less efficiency. The need exists for a novel, solid-state lighting technology that provides high luminous efficiency and high color rendering at low cost. This project will develop an innovative down-converting system, based on engineered nanocomposite materials, which will dramatically improve the overall cost, performance, and efficiency of solid-state white light (SSWL). This is not merely a new phosphor, but rather a complete down-converting system with the potential to produce solid-state white light that exceeds the performance of the best traditional fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Phase I proved the feasibility of the concept by: (1) fabricating optimum nanocomposite mixtures based on theoretical predictions; (2) demonstrating the effect of controlling the index of refraction and scattering in the phosphor layer; and (3) projecting eventual performance improvements, based upon the continued materials optimization and device design that will be performed in Phase II. Phase II will focus on the further development of material components and the optimization of white-light device performance. The output of Phase II will be a prototype white-light-emitting device that employs nanocomposite down-conversion technology and delivers a color rendering index greater than 80, a color temperature of 4,000K, a luminous efficiency greater than 200 lm/W, at a cost less than $5/klm. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: High efficiency, high color rending, low power consumption, rugged, long lifetime solid state white lighting should have commercial applications in general illumination (residential, commercial, and industrial) and mobile platforms for signaling and lighting (automobile, aviation, marine, trains). Significant reductions in energy consumption, pollution, and cost should accrue to end users.