Graphene has long been acclaimed by popular media that covers nanotechnologies because of its ever increasing number of unique properties and applications - including extraordinary strength and conductibility. Recently, researchers at the Seoul National University, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, and Columbia University have added to graphene's impressive resume when they developed a light bulb with a graphene filament that was an atom thick.
Previously, extremely small filaments like this were not feasible because the filament would have to be heated to exorbitant temperatures that, even if they didn't melt the filament, would melt the surrounding materials. Graphene, however, offers a solution to this, as it harbors the property of being less conductive of heat the hotter it gets. This thus allows graphene to be heated to temperatures that allow for light to be produced (~2500C), while maintaining the structural integrity of itself (due to its inherent strength) and its surroundings.
Furthermore, graphene - being and incredibly thin substance - is effectively clear, meaning that light can travel through it. The researchers found that (due to this) one is able to alter the wavelength of light emitted by the graphene light by changing the distance between the graphene filament and its silicone substrate, as see in the video here.
The advent of this type of light will advance technology because it is both flexible and small, meaning it will be able to be integrated in flexible technologies and displays, as well as on small chips.
The researchers are currently working on methods for turning the bulb on and off, but perhaps there will soon be a day when graphene will revolutionize the technology of displays!
Previously, extremely small filaments like this were not feasible because the filament would have to be heated to exorbitant temperatures that, even if they didn't melt the filament, would melt the surrounding materials. Graphene, however, offers a solution to this, as it harbors the property of being less conductive of heat the hotter it gets. This thus allows graphene to be heated to temperatures that allow for light to be produced (~2500C), while maintaining the structural integrity of itself (due to its inherent strength) and its surroundings.Furthermore, graphene - being and incredibly thin substance - is effectively clear, meaning that light can travel through it. The researchers found that (due to this) one is able to alter the wavelength of light emitted by the graphene light by changing the distance between the graphene filament and its silicone substrate, as see in the video here.
The researchers are currently working on methods for turning the bulb on and off, but perhaps there will soon be a day when graphene will revolutionize the technology of displays!
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