{
  "id": 5653722,
  "title": "A new type of LED light could bring significant efficiency gains",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/a-new-type-of-led-light-could-bring-significant-efficiency-gains",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-04T22:00:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-significant-efficiency-gains.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers at Lund University have developed a novel type of LED based on thin, branched nanowires that could significantly boost efficiency and lower production costs compared to current technology. By precisely controlling where in the structure light is generated, scientists have managed to minimize losses that would otherwise restrict the amount of light that can be utilized. Their findings, published in the journal Nano Research, highlight the potential of this new design to overcome challenges posed by total internal reflection, a phenomenon that currently limits the amount of light emitted from conventional LEDs. The innovative approach involves constructing the structures from very thin side branches that extend from a central nanowire, allowing light to be emitted from these branches without being trapped within the material. This could potentially result in a much higher light output, as theoretical models suggest that almost all the light could be released. Magnus Borgström, a professor of solid-state physics at Lund University, notes that in conventional LEDs, only about 4% of the light is emitted without additional surface treatment. The new technology could eliminate the need for these costly processing methods, thereby reducing manufacturing expenses. While LEDs are already affordable, enhancing efficiency remains crucial for industrial production. The research team emphasizes that although the technology is still in the experimental stage, it holds significant promise. One advantage is that the structures can be manufactured at the nanoscale, potentially lowering material usage and long-term production costs. Current challenges include minimizing losses due to surface defects in the nanostructures, but the team is focused on optimizing materials and structures to achieve even greater efficiency. In the long term, this technology could contribute to more energy-efficient lighting solutions, impacting public lighting and advanced optoelectronic applications.",
  "summary": "Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of light-emitting diode based on thin, branched nanowires that could offer significantly higher efficiency and lower production costs than current technology. By controlling where in the structure the light is generated, the researchers have reduced the losses that would otherwise limit the amount of light that can be used. Their study is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}