The Nobel Prize, one of the most prestigious global awards, honors individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to humanity in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences. Over the years, several Nobel Prize winners have profoundly impacted the lighting industry. In this column, I will explore the history and contributions of Nobel laureates whose work has directly or indirectly influenced the development of lighting technologies and controls.
Nobel Prize-winning contributions that affected lighting date back to the early part of 20th century with Albert A. Michelson, who won a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907. The award was in recognition of his work on precision optical instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations that he performed with them. Even though Michelson’s research did not focus directly on modern lighting controls, it formed a cornerstone for future development of such innovations based on his studies on the speed of light and optical measurements.
The Michelson Interferometer is a precision instrument that produces interference fringes by splitting a light beam into two parts and then recombining them after they have traveled different optical paths. The use of Michelson’s interferometer to measure the wavelength of spectral lines of the elements with accuracy has greatly advanced our understanding of atomic structures. This invention opened up new possibilities for scientists to explore light with greater accuracy than ever before and ultimately gave rise to sophisticated systems and controls used in current lighting technology.1, 2
“Einstein’s research into photoelectric effect provided the groundwork for future lighting developments, specifically solid-state lighting including LEDs”
Lighting technologies have also been greatly affected by quantum mechanics, which is a branch of physics that focuses on the behavior of subatomic particles. In 1921, Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for explaining what happens when light strikes a material and releases electrons. This discovery had major implications for many other light-based applications including photovoltaic cells and light sensors. Einstein’s research into photoelectric effect provided the groundwork for future lighting developments, specifically solid-state lighting including LEDs. The study of light-matter interactions through quantum mechanics has led to better lighting systems that are efficient and flexible.3
The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura for their creation of efficient blue LEDs, which have transformed lighting. The introduction of blue LEDs enabled the production of white light either by combining blue with red and green LEDs or using phosphor materials to change blue into white light.4, 5
Prior to the advent of blue LEDs, the world of lighting was limited to the hues of red and green LEDs. Their applications were vast, but without the presence of blue, the spectrum was incomplete, and the creation of the efficient white light remained a challenge. The introduction of blue LEDs was a game changer; it completed the color spectrum alongside red and green, paving the way for the production of white light. This breakthrough led to the development of LED bulbs that could replace traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Blue LEDs also boasted a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further contributing to cost and environmental savings.
LED technology has created significant benefits compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights, such as lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and higher reliability. Wide acceptance of LEDs has resulted in an overall global carbon-footprint reduction, aiding in energy conservation worldwide. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, widespread use of LED lighting has the potential to save hundreds of terawatt-hours of electricity annually, translating to billions of dollars in energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.6
While past Nobel Prizes have not directly highlighted lighting controls, the principles behind controlling light have been significantly influenced by Nobel-winning research. In 2009, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Charles K. Kao for his groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication. Kao’s work has revolutionized not only telecommunications but also the way we control and use light in various environments. In architectural lighting, circadian lighting aligns with our natural sleep-wake cycle, and additive manufacturing allows us to create complex, customized light fixtures. There is also synesthetic light technologies that convert one sensation into another, making humans aware of operations ingrained in their cognitive system.
In stage lighting, Kao’s work has enabled the creation of dynamic lighting designs and automated lighting systems that can adjust lighting conditions in real time during performances. This has added a new dimension to the visual appeal of stage performances, providing greater control and flexibility. In the realm of smart lighting systems, Kao’s influence is evident in daylighting techniques that use light sensors and automated controls to adjust artificial lighting levels. His impact has also been felt in façade lighting, dynamic glazing that uses smart glass with adjustable transparency, and daylight redirecting systems that can bring sunlight deeper into buildings. These innovations have significantly improved the way we control and manipulate light, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions.7
The development of lighting controls has also been driven by advances in semiconductor technology. The 1956 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley for their research on semiconductors and the invention of the transistor. Transistors, which amplify and switch electronic signals, are integral components of modern lighting control systems. They enable the precise regulation of electrical currents, allowing for the development of dimmable and programmable lighting solutions.
Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics, including the microprocessors and sensors used in lighting control systems. The integration of semiconductor technology in lighting controls has paved the way for sophisticated systems that can adjust lighting based on occupancy, natural light availability, and user preferences. These advancements have led to the creation of more efficient and adaptive lighting solutions, enhancing both energy savings and user experience.
The 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Charles H. Townes, Nikolay Basov, and Aleksandr Prokhorov for their fundamental work in the field of quantum electronics, which led to the construction of oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser-laser principle. Lasers have since become integral to various lighting technologies and applications, including optical communications, laser displays, and precise measurement systems.
Lasers provide highly coherent and focused beams of light, making them ideal for applications that require precise control and high-intensity illumination. In the context of lighting, laserbased technologies are used in advanced lighting systems for events, entertainment, and specialized industrial applications. The principles of laser physics continue to influence the development of cutting-edge lighting technologies.
The evolution of lighting technology has increasingly focused on smart lighting systems, which leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance functionality and user experience. Smart lighting systems integrate advanced sensors, wireless communication, and automation to create adaptive and energyefficient lighting environments. While the Nobel Prize has not yet directly recognized contributions in this area, the underlying technologies draw heavily from Nobel-winning research. For example, the development of wireless communication technologies, recognized by the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou, and Donna Strickland for their work on laser physics, has been instrumental in the proliferation of IoT-enabled lighting systems. Lasers and optical fibers enable high-speed data transmission, facilitating the communication between smart lighting devices and centralized control systems.
Smart lighting systems offer numerous benefits, including energy savings, enhanced comfort, and improved security. These systems can automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy, daylight levels, and user preferences, reducing energy consumption and providing optimal lighting conditions. Additionally, smart lighting can be integrated with other IoT devices, such as security cameras and climate control systems, to create cohesive and responsive environments.
A schematic diagram of the Michelson Interferometer.
Photo: Smithsonian Institution
Three Nobel Laureates in Physics at California Institute of Technology in 1931: Front row, from left: Albert A. Michelson, Albert Einstein, and Robert A. Millikan.
Another significant advancement in the lighting industry is the development of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). OLEDs use organic compounds to produce light, offering the potential for flexible, thin, and energy-efficient lighting solutions. In 2000, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Alan Heeger, Alan MacDiarmid, and Hideki Shirakawa for their discovery of conductive polymers, which laid the foundation for OLED technology.
OLEDs provide several advantages over traditional lighting technologies, including higher efficiency, better color rendering, and the ability to produce ultrathin and flexible lighting panels. These characteristics make OLEDs ideal for a wide range of applications such as display screens as well as general lighting and architectural designs. The continued development of OLED technology looks to further enhance the versatility and efficiency of lighting solutions.
Quantum dots—nanoscale semiconductor particles that emit light when exposed to electrical current or light—represent a promising technology in the lighting industry. The principles of quantum mechanics, recognized by multiple Nobel Prizes, have been instrumental in the development of quantum dot technology. In particular, the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov for their groundbreaking experiments with graphene, a material that has potential applications in quantum dot technology.8
Quantum dots offer the ability to produce light of specific wavelengths, enabling the creation of high-quality, tunable light sources. This technology has the potential to revolutionize displays, signage, and general lighting by providing vibrant, energy-efficient illumination. Quantum dot LEDs are already being used in high-end display technologies, and ongoing research aims to expand their applications to broader lighting markets.
The advancements in lighting and lighting controls recognized by the Nobel Prize have had significant implications for environmental sustainability. Traditional lighting sources, such as incandescent bulbs, are inefficient and contribute to high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, LED technology and smart lighting systems offer substantial energy savings and reduce the environmental impact of lighting.
The widespread adoption of LEDs, driven by its 2014 Nobel-winning invention, has been a major factor in global efforts to reduce energy consumption. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer, resulting in significant reductions in energy use and waste. According to the International Energy Agency, LED lighting could account for nearly 90% of all lighting sales by 2030, leading to substantial energy and cost savings.9
Photo: Chinese University of Hong Kong, via EPA
Charles K. Kao performing an early experiment on optical fiber at the Standard Telecommunications Laboratory in Harlow, England, in the 1960s.
From left: John Bardeen, William Shockley, and Walter Brattain in 1948.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Unitronic
The first transistor was successfully demonstrated at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ.
Smart lighting systems further enhance these benefits by optimizing energy use based on real-time conditions and user behavior. By integrating sensors and automation, smart lighting can minimize unnecessary lighting, reduce peak demand, and improve overall energy efficiency. These systems also support renewable energy integration by providing more flexible and responsive lighting solutions that can adapt to variable energy supply.
Charles H. Townes with the first maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) at Columbia University in 1953.
From left: Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou, and Donna Strickland were recognized for their work with lasers.
Photos: Arthur Ashkin and Wikimedia Commons/© École Polytechnique
The intersection of Nobel Prize-winning research and lighting technology underscores the potential for future breakthroughs in this field. As we advance into an era of smart cities and connected environments, the demand for sophisticated lighting controls will continue to grow. Innovations in materials science, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, areas frequently recognized by the Nobel committees, promise to drive the next generation of lighting solutions.
Materials science, which explores the properties and applications of new materials, has already contributed to the development of advanced lighting technologies. For example, OLEDs, which use organic compounds to produce light, offer the potential for flexible, thin, and energy-efficient lighting solutions. Research in this area, recognized by the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Heeger, MacDiarmid, and Shirakawa for their discovery of conductive polymers, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in lighting design and functionality.
Quantum computing, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex computations, holds promise for optimizing lighting control algorithms and improving system efficiency. While still in its early stages, quantum computing could revolutionize the way we manage and control lighting systems, enabling more precise and adaptive solutions.
Photo: MacDiarmid Institute
The 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to (from left) Alan Heeger, Alan MacDiarmid, and Hideki Shirakawa.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Holger Motzkau
The 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to (from left) Konstantin Novoselov and Andre Geim for their work with graphene.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also poised to play a significant role in the future of lighting controls. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from sensors and user interactions to optimize lighting conditions and predict maintenance needs. This capability can lead to more responsive and personalized lighting experiences, as well as improved system reliability and longevity.10
The history of the Nobel Prize is deeply intertwined with the evolution of lighting and lighting controls, highlighting the profound impact of scientific discovery on everyday life. From the pioneering work of early physicists to the modern innovations in LED technology and intelligent lighting systems, Nobel laureates have significantly contributed to illuminating our world. Their contributions have not only advanced our understanding of light but also paved the way for more sustainable, efficient, and adaptive lighting solutions.
Muhammad Annum Khan is a lighting control specialist, project manager, and team lead at Omnilumen Technical Products at Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. His expertise extends to programming, troubleshooting, and designing lighting control systems to create efficient and innovative lighting solutions.
1 Isaac Asimov, “A.A. Michelson,” Britannica, May 9, 2024. Available: https://www.britannica.com/biography/A-A-Michelson
2 Doug Stewart, “Albert Abraham Michelson,” Famous Scientists, June 6, 2024. Available: www.famousscientists.org/albert-abraham-michelson/
3 George Musser, “What Einstein Really Thought about Quantum Mechanics,” Scientific American, Sept. 1, 2015.
4 Christina Nunez, “Nobel Prize Goes to Inventors of Blue LED: Why It Was Revolutionary,” National Geographic, Oct. 7, 2014.
5 Elizabeth Donoff, “Nobel Prize for the Discovery of the Blue LED,” Architect, Dec. 6, 2016.
6 U.S. Department of Energy, “LED Adoption Report.” Available: https://www.energy.gov/eere/ssl/led-adoption-report
7 Erik Gregersen, “Charles Kao,” Britannica, May 2, 2024. Available: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Kao
8 Katherine Bourzac, “Graphene Wins Nobel Prize,” MIT Technology Review, Oct. 5, 2010.
9 International Energy Agency, “Global residential lighting sales share by technology in the Net Zero Scenario, 2010-2030,” June 19, 2023. Available: https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/global-residential-lighting-sales-share-by-technology-in-the-net-zero-scenario-2010-2030
10 California Institute of Technology, “Transforming materials with light: Study could lead to ultrafast light-based computers and more,” Phys Org, Dec. 8, 2021.
