of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective
(CFLs). Although the market penetration of CFLs relative to incandescent
bulbs is not yet complete, CFL technology is relatively mature. Solid state
lighting (O)LED lighting is generally accepted as offering significant further
benefits over CFLs in efficiency, quality of light and the avoidance of
Mercury found in CFLs. Thus solid state lighting (O)LED lighting is the main
focus of market and technology development in the foreseeable future.
It is important to note that the linkages between displays and advanced
lighting are strong and this connection will even grow. This is based on
the development of (O)LED light sources that are used for lighting, as
well as the use of backlighting for LCD displays.
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3.5.2 The European value chain
The value chain of advanced photonics lighting is more complex than
just the production of LED or OLED chips. Research on advanced lighting
includes not only materials research in order to develop new more
energy efficient (O)LEDs, with better colour characteristics, but also on
better manufacturing processes. Human perceptions and experience of
lighting forms another separate research area. The production process
for inorganic solid state lighting is in principle based on wafer scale
manufacturing methods common in the semiconductor industry, using
III-V semiconductors. However, due to the rapid growth and potential
benefits of organic LEDs, manufacturing of these types of lighting element
are also of interest. They combine new polymer semiconducting
base materials with other organic raw base materials. The manufacturing
of solid state lighting components is very much a high volume industry
and therefore favours large producers of both (O)LEDs. OLED manufacturing
for general lighting is still an emerging market (approximately
5 years), offering potential for current and new suppliers. The manufacturing
of lighting fixtures (luminaries) has different characteristics, due
to the high degree of customization. Therefore it is more closely aligned
to the design requirements of domestic, industrial or specialist lighting.
Advanced lighting can play a key role in some specialized manufacturing
processes, e.g. semiconductor lithography and stage lighting, but
although providing critical functionality these markets tend to be small
relative to the general lighting market and are therefore only consider
briefly. Lighting is used in various final markets. The largest application
can be seen in lighting in homes and commercial buildings, but also
outdoor and automotive lighting are substantial application segments.
Lighting research is highly related to that of the displays industry, as