High performance nanofibers

RTI has developed a smart light bulb with nanofibers, saving energy five times that of conventional lamps and not containing mercury as fluorescent lamps.

The key to this technology is the advanced nanofibre structure, which provides additional illumination management. The nanofibers are made of material with a diameter and surface characteristics smaller than human hair but have equivalent lengths.

RTI's technology division is funded by the US Department of Energy's Semiconductor Lighting Program. The research focus is on the development of nanomaterials to increase the performance of nanofibres based on reflection and photoluminescence.

This type of lamp saves electricity 5 times compared with conventional lighting.

Lighting equipment based on this new technology is capable of producing 55 lumens per watt of power consumption. It is 5 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

Dr. Lynn Davis, director of RTI's nanotechnology program, said: "By using appropriate optical fiber nanomaterials, RTI has opened a new door to the design of lighting products. Semiconductor ".

In addition, RTI produces more aesthetically pleasing lamps with better color characteristics than conventional compacts.

Consuming just one-quarter of the electricity used, the technology has a significant impact on reducing electricity use and CO ₂ emissions. Technology does not use mercury, so it is more environmentally friendly and safe than current fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps.

RTI continues to develop this technology so that it can be put into commercial production. The project manager said that this could be done in three to five years.