In General, LEDs as “light engines” have several advantages:
Useful life at least 50X longer than Halide (100x longer than Halogen).
They are more efficient (less power consumed per unit of output) when compared to Halogen, Halide, or Xenon.
They take up less space; they weigh less, they can be digitally controlled using simple circuitry.
Units could be made available for UV, IR, and narrow wavelength applications.
Of course, the LED “Light Engine” is not a panacea for the shortcomings of traditional fiber illumination sources. LEDs also have the following disadvantages:
Their output is affected by heat. If the heat is not controlled, light output diminishes. More heat is generated, further diminishing output; the system eventually fails.
It’s very difficult to get daylight color (5600K) white balance.
They are not efficient light couplers; much of their power never enters the fiber.
In General, LEDs as “light engines” have several advantages:
- Useful life at least 50X longer than Halide (100x longer than Halogen).
- They are more efficient (less power consumed per unit of output) when compared to Halogen, Halide, or Xenon.
- They take up less space; they weigh less, they can be digitally controlled using simple circuitry.
- Units could be made available for UV, IR, and narrow wavelength applications.
Of course, the LED “Light Engine” is not a panacea for the shortcomings of traditional fiber illumination sources. LEDs also have the following disadvantages:
- Their output is affected by heat. If the heat is not controlled, light output diminishes. More heat is generated, further diminishing output; the system eventually fails.
- It’s very difficult to get daylight color (5600K) white balance.
- They are not efficient light couplers; much of their power never enters the fiber.
