Muhammad Annum Khan
“A Journey Through History Part I” was published in LD+A, September 2024.
The 20th century was a period of rapid progress in lighting technology and controls. This era saw the development of a variety of lighting options, including fluorescent lamps, halogen bulbs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Additionally, innovations such as the electronic ballast and solid-state lighting paved the way for more energy-efficient and versatile lighting solutions.
Peter Cooper Hewitt, an American electrical engineer and inventor, made a significant contribution to the lighting industry with the invention of the first mercury-vapor lamp in 1901. This lamp, patented in 1903, was a gas-discharge lamp that used mercury vapor produced by passing current through liquid mercury. Despite its limited practicality due to its blueish-green light, Hewitt’s invention marked a significant milestone in the evolution of lighting technology, paving the way for the development of the fluorescent lamp and other energy-efficient lighting solutions that we use today.
Fluorescent lamps, introduced in the early part of the century, offered a more energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. These lamps work by passing electricity through a tube filled with mercury vapor, which then emits ultraviolet light. This light causes the phosphor coating inside the tube to glow, producing visible light.
Another significant development in technology, halogen bulbs use a halogen gas to increase a luminaire’s lifespan and brightness. These bulbs are known for their excellent color rendering and are commonly used in automotive headlights, under-cabinet lighting and work lights.
CFLs, a smaller version of the traditional fluorescent lamp, became popular toward the end of the century. More energyefficient than incandescent bulbs and with a longer lifespan, CFLs are now a popular choice for residential and commercial lighting.
AS LIGHTING TECHNOLOGYadvanced, so did the need for effective lighting controls. The introduction of the electronic ballast in fluorescent lamps helped regulate the current flowing through the lamp, preventing it from drawing too much power and overheating. Additionally, the advent of solid-state lighting, including LEDs, marked a significant step toward energy efficiency and versatility in lighting solutions. Solid-state lighting devices use semiconductors to convert electricity into light, offering advantages such as longer lifespan, lower energy consumption and increased durability.
“Hewitt’s invention marked a significant milestone in the evolution of lighting technology, paving the way for the development of the fluorescent lamp and other energyefficient lighting solutions”
The ground-breaking technological advancements in lighting during the 20th century have had a profound impact on how we illuminate our surroundings, transforming our approach to illumination and paving the way for solutions we use today. The modern era has witnessed unprecedented levels of efficiency, longevity and customization. The 21st century marked the advent of LED lighting, a technology that has revolutionized the lighting industry. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting and capable of producing a wide range of colors, making them ideal for various applications. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which generate light by heating a filament, LEDs produce light through electroluminescence. This process is more efficient, resulting in less energy waste and lower electricity costs. Additionally, LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements. With its efficiency and longevity, LED lighting has become the new standard for both residential and commercial applications
The journey to the invention of LEDs began with Nick Holonyak, who invented the first practical visible-spectrum (red) LED in 1962. A decade later, M. George Craford took a leap forward by inventing the first yellow LED and improved the brightness of red and red-orange LEDs in 1972. The spectrum of LEDs was further broadened when Shuji Nakamura developed the first efficient blue LED in 1993. These pioneering inventions revolutionized applications that continue to shape our world today.1
The rise of smart technology has ushered in a new era of lighting controls including bilevel lighting controls, dimming, 0-10-V, DALI, wireless/Bluetooth controls and D4i certification—an extension of DALI-2. Smart bulbs, sensors and programmable systems have modified the way humans interact with light. We can customize our lighting environment like never before. Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or a voice assistant, allowing us to adjust the brightness and color of our lights with just a few taps or voice commands. Sensors detect the presence of people in a room and adjust the lighting accordingly, while programmable systems can be set to turn lights On or Off at specific times, optimizing energy usage and enhancing convenience. The advancements in LED lighting and smart controls represent yet another significant milestone in the history of artificial lighting.2,3
Global recognition of the need to conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions has made the lighting industry shift to emphasize stainability. Innovations such as LED technology, pioneered by inventors including Holonyak, Craford and Nakamura, have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Furthermore, the integration of advanced lighting controls, developed by influential figures and companies, such as Cisco, Cree, Infineon Technologies, Lutron Electronics, Signify, Taiwan Semiconductor, Texas Instruments and Toshiba Corporation, have further enhanced the sustainability aspect. These controls, ranging from dimmers and timers to sensors, allow for the optimization of light usage, ensuring it is used only when and where needed. This shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient solutions is a testament to the industry’s commitment to global conservation efforts.4
In addition to technological advancements, initiatives such as the implementation of lighting codes and standards have further promoted the adoption of eco-friendly lighting solutions. Codes and standards, such as ASHRAE/IES 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code, set minimum requirements for energy efficiency. This not only spurs manufacturer innovation but also nudges consumers toward more sustainable choices. These initiatives help reduce the environmental impact of lighting and result in cost savings for consumers.5
AS WE LOOK AHEAD, the future of lighting and controls is promising. With continued advancements in LED technology, developments in IoT and sensor technology as well as the integration of artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, the functionality of lighting systems are set to reach new heights. For example, IoT enables lighting systems to be connected and controlled remotely, providing new levels of convenience and customization. Sensor technology, on the other hand, allows for automatic adjustments based on environmental conditions, such as natural light availability, further optimizing energy usage.6
The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms represents the next frontier in lighting technology, with even more lighting solutions that can learn from and adapt to individual preferences and environmental conditions. For example, AI-powered lighting systems could learn a user’s preferred lighting levels at different times of the day and adjust accordingly. Similarly, machine learning algorithms could analyze patterns in a user’s behavior and make predictive adjustments to the lighting, such as dimming the lights when the user is about to watch a movie.6
THE JOURNEY OF ARTIFICIALlighting is a fascinating tale of human ingenuity and innovation. From the primal use of fire and the invention of oil lamps in ancient civilizations, through the development of candles, torches, gas lighting and electric bulbs in the Middle Ages and beyond, each advancement has profoundly shaped society. The 20th century expanded our lighting options and enhanced energy efficiency. The advent of LED technology and smart controls in the modern era has further revolutionized the lighting industry, offering customization and convenience. In the coming years, the integration of IoT, sensor technology, AI and machine learning brings the hope of a brighter, greener future.
Muhammad Annum Khan is a lighting control specialist and project manager and team lead at Omnilumen Technical Products in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. His expertise extends to programming, troubleshooting and designing lighting control systems to create efficient and innovation lighting solutions.
1 Eugen, “When LED Lights Were Invented? A Brief History of LED Lighting,” LED Lighting Info, June 24, 2020. Available: https://ledlightinginfo.com/led-lights-history
2 Casambi, “A Brief History of Smart Lighting Control,” Mar. 14, 2018. Available: https://casambi.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-smart-lighting-control/
3 Andrew Parker, “The Evolution of Lighting Controls: Part I,” Electrical Industry News Week. Available: https://electricalindustry.ca/latest-articles/1354-the-evolution-of-lighting-controls-part-i/
4 Eyla Herrera, “Illuminating the Future: Evolution of LED Lighting in 2024,” VONN, Dec. 19, 2023. Available: https://www.vonn.com/blogs/articles/illuminating-the-future-evolution-of-led-lighting-in-2024
5 Dwayne Kula, “Lighting Codes and Standards: A Comprehensive Guide,” LED Lighting Supply, Jan. 10, 2024.
6 Lighting Experts, “What Is the Future of Lighting Technology?” Available: https://lightingexperts.net/news/what-is-the-futureof-lighting-technology/