By June Bisantz

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are:

• long lasting; LEDs can last up to 10 years at full brightness.
• energy efficient; LEDs generate very little heat, so a much higher percentage of electrical power goes directly to generating light, reducing power usage.
• capable of generating a larger spectrum of colors than other forms of lighting.
• more robust than regular light sources because they are encased in resin.
• more adaptable to modern electronic circuits.

June Bisantz is a professor of digital art and design at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Conn.