Omron starts production of double reflection LEDs
The DR-LED features Omron s proprietary double reflection structure. As shown in the illustration, the LED package has a convex mirror in the rear. Any light that suffers total internal reflection at the package/air interface is reflected backwards towards the mirror, then re-reflected out of the package.
Omron claims that the DR structure provides a two-fold increase in light utilization efficiency over conventional LEDs and twice the brightness given the same drive conditions. Conversely, the DR LED consumes half as much energy as a conventional LED to realize the same brightness.
Applications for the DR-LED include battery-driven traffic signals/road signs and mobile devices, signals requiring multiple LEDs, automobiles and other equipment for which low energy consumption is vital, along with a wide range of other potential uses. The high light utilization efficiency contributes to a reduction in the size of batteries or solar cells to drive the devices, and a reduction in the number of LEDs required for any specific application.
Omron aims to sell 30 million units of the DR-LED in fiscal year 2005, generating 4-5 billion yen ($33-42 million).