Alternative Lighting

The cold, harsh glare (not to mention the incessant hum) of fluorescent lighting may soon be a thing of the past, replaced by a new technology known as field-induced polymer electroluminescent (FIPEL) lighting.

FIPEL consists of a nano-engineered polymer matrix that emits light when exposed to an electrical charge. In addition to being at least twice as efficient as today’s compact fluorescents (CFLs) FIPEL contains no hazardous chemicals (such as mercury) that could leach into the environment. They can be manufactured to emit virtually any color light, including soft, white light that’s easy on the eyes, and can be molded into a variety of form factors – from bulbs to fit existing fixtures to large sheets for use as lighted ceiling tiles or walls.

In addition, the technology has been around for some time, so researchers have already demonstrated its long life; one prototype has been working for ten years. And because they already know how to produce it, FIPEL lighting could be available to consumers as early as next year.