Sunday, May 10, 2009

Combine photoluminescent and LED pathmarking systems

Photoluminescent strips provide an alternative to electrically illuminated signs and pathway lights in some circumstances. While lumescent exit sigens are available, these do not meet Australian standards. One approach might be to combine the luminescent function with LEDs. The luminescent material used in these signs is also fluorescent. A UV LED will cause the luminescent material to glow brightly while the LED is on, as well as recharge the material so it will glow brightly when power is off. This might remove the need for complex battery backup power supplies for such signs. The LED would ensure that the luminescent material was fully charged. UV LEDs are relatively inexpensive and very efficient (most "white" LEDs are actually UV LEDs with a white phosphor coating to convert the UV to visible light).

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