ETH Zurich researchers have developed a gene switch that can be operated with the green LED light emitted by commercial smartwatches. This revolutionary approach could be used to treat diabetes in the future.   With the green light of a smartwatch, researchers can switch on an insulin-​producing gene network. (Photograph: Colourbox)   Many modern fitness trackers and smartwatches feature integrated LEDs. The green light emitted, whether continuous or pulsed, penetrates the skin and can be used to measure the wearer’s heart rate during physical activ...

The significant drop in light output (green gap phenomenon) exhibited by green LEDs has often been the cause of efficiency problems and high costs in customer applications. For its indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-based green LEDs, Osram Opto Semiconductors has now succeeded in reducing the typical forward voltages by around 600 mV drastically. With a simultaneous increase in optical output power, customers instantly benefit from improvements in efficiency of up to 40 percent compared to predecessor products across the entire UX:3 portfolio from Osram. 

The emerging “Quantified Self” trend involves people monitoring, managing and tracking their health and wellbeing through digitalized biomedical information. Equipped with optical sensors, wearable devices such as smart watches and smartbands help consumers collect and measure different biological indicators and stats about themselves. Unlike the fiercely contested white LED market, the newly developing wearable device market is an untapped blue ocean market that presents incredible opportunities for the LED industry.

Osram Opto has released new green LED products specifically designed for heart monitoring. The green LEDs for heart rate monitoring are probably similar to the ones used in Apple Watch for heart rate tracking. The mechanism used to measure heart rate is similar, in which it relies on measuring light absorbed by blood vessels and surrounding tissues. For further details about the new green LEDs please see Osram Opto’s full press release below:

Apple admitted tattoos can interfere with Apple Watch heart rate readings, according to numerous media reports including Tech Crunch.

Apple recently has revealed on its website how LEDs funtion in the Apple Watch heart rate sensors.

New Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (New JRC) recently has released its new product NJL5303R, a reflective optical sensor combining a green LED and photo transistor into a small COB package which is very applicable to pulse detection. Many pulse testing equipments on the now market, utilize near infrared light to do blood flow detection. The NJL5303R adopts green light with 570nm emission wave length well-suitable for pulse detection. The reflection factor of green light provides higher sensitive pulse detection than the detection employing near infrared light. The NJL...

THE Chinese Academy of Science reports that researchers in China have used strain engineering to improve the light output power of 530nm green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by 28.9% at 150mA current injection [Hongjian Li et al, Appl. Phys. Express, vol6, p052102, 2013]. The research was carried out by Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Semiconductors, Beijing, and University of Hong Kong. Schematic of epitaxial material for conventional and shallow quantum well (SQW) LEDs (Figure 1). Light output power–current–voltage (L&ndas...

In a breakthrough that could lead to accelerated adoption of LEDs in demanding applications such as LCD display backlights and pico-projectors, scientists at 3M have developed technology that doubles the efficiency of green LEDs.

Murata Power Solutions has introduced its low-power, high brightness, three-and-a-half digit, DMS-20PC digital panel voltmeters. The company announces that they are now available with 'brilliant blue' or 'pure green' LED colors in addition to the current 'low-power red'. The DMS-20PC series provides a sub-miniature, low-cost solution in applications such as battery chargers, power amplifiers, rack-mounted power and high-end consumer electronics.

The City of Chicago, IL, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) present Chicago’s 95th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Daley Plaza. PolyBrite International announced that this year Borealis energy efficient LED light bulbs will be strung on the 85-foot tree.

It’s reported that Tekcore Co. wants to become one of Taiwan’s top three manufacturers of LED epitaxy wafers and chips by 2010.

It’s reported that European research institute IMEC and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. have agreed to develop manufacturing technology for high efficiency LED devices.