As devices with higher power capabilities have become available, new application areas emerge constantly. Figure 1.14 shows the use of LEDs integrated into medical goggles worn by a surgeon during an operation (Shimada et al., 2003). The LED-based light source promises substantial weight savings and fulfills the stringent requirements of high-quality color rendition required during medical operations.

LED-based automotive headlights were first introduced by Audi Corporation in 2004 using Lumileds Lighting’s Luxeon devices. The car is shown in Fig. 1.15.

The use of LEDs in large-scale display and signage applications continues unabated. A seven-story high display and an animated pedestrian traffic signal are shown in Figs. 1.16 and 1.17.

LEDs have also entered the domain of the arts. Figure 1.18 shows the accent-lighted Stone Bridge across the Danube River located in Regensburg, Germany. A line of 21 900 red light - emitting diodes stretches brightly across the bridge, thereby emphasising the link between the two banks of the river. Each LED stands for one month since the city was founded in the year AD 179 (Osram Opto Semiconductors, 2004). Figure 1.19 shows the accent-lighted entrance of

the Science Based Industrial Park located in Hsin Chu, Taiwan, an industrial park housing numerous companies active in semiconductor technology.

Fig. 1.18. Stone Bridge located in Regensburg, Germany, illuminated by LEDs (after Focus Magazine, 2004).

References