New ESLs Target CFL and LED Market

Keep an eye out for the next acronym in energy-efficient lighting: ESL, or Electron Stimulated Luminescence. ESLs use “accelerated electrons to stimulate phosphor to create light, making the surface of the bulb ‘glow,’” according to Vu1 Corporation, a maker of ESLs. The technology is being touted for producing light that’s similar to an incandescent bulb but about 70% more energy-efficient.

Generally, ESLs are dimmable, mercury-free, long-lasting, recyclable, and somewhat affordable, according to Vu1. There is no delay when turning on an ESL.

Vu1′s first offering is an R30 flood lamp with 600 lumens that uses 19.5 watts. R30 has a color rendering index of 85 and a 10,000 hour life. The company is now taking direct orders of greater than 8 units for about $19.95 per R30 lamp.

More common A-type lamps won’t be available until sometime in 2011-2012. When that happens, expect frenzied competition among various lighting styles.

While CFLs are more affordable, many of them are not dimmable and have a turn on delay. CFLs also have the mercury vapor issue. On the flip side, LEDs are extremely efficient and last a long time but may not be as bright and are still expensive. In other words, ESLs have the potential to occupy a sort of middle ground position with light like an incandescent, pricing like a CFL, and performance like an LED.

New ESLs Target CFL and LED Market | Jetson Green