In May 2017 we reported the the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research (Wroclaw, Poland) developed a new efficient white light source that uses graphene foam excitated by a continuous-wave laser. We have seen a demonstration of the technology at IDTechEx 2019 (see video below).
We have recently spoken with Prof. Krzysztof Piech who updated us on the project's process. Prof. Piech tells us that the research team received a grant of around $130,000 to develop the technology, and are expecting to soon receive a $270,000 grant that will enable the production of a series of prototypes. We hope to update once these prototypes can be demonstrated.
The Graphene Light uses a laser that is directed to a graphene foam. The laser opens up a bandgap which results in light emission that ranges from 360nm (UV) or 405nm (visible) to 980nm-1064nm (near-infrared). The researchers say that the light spectrum of this device is similar to the spectrum of the sun.
