'Bright' idea lights its way to win NASA contest

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

NASA Tech Briefs INSIDER newsletter 02/05/08 reports that the winner of the $20,000 first prize in the agency's "Create the Future" contest is an invention called "Litroenergy", the luminous output of micro particle "Litrospheres." Their self-luminance reportedly endures for over 12 years. The spheres are inexpensive, making them useful in many ways. The emitted light is said to be equivalent to a 40 watt bulb, sufficient for reading.

The invention is reported to safely encapsulate a small quantity of electron-emitting tritium with light emitting phosphors inside a robust microscopic sphere. Mixed into paints, plastic films or adhesive tape the spheres can be applied to surfaces for under a dollar per square foot. The maker suggests they will find first use in safety applications such as exit signage and aircraft corridor marking.

Sources

• LFW Staff "Long-lived self-luminous microspheres emit light without charging". Laser Focus World, February 8, 2008
• Nasa "Litroenergy - New Light Source Material". NASA Tech Briefs INSIDER newsletter, February 5, 2008
• "Energy-Saving Material Takes Top Prize in Design Contest". CNN Money, February 4, 2008
• Lisa Zyga "Light Source Lasts 12 Years - No Electricity Needed". PhysOrg.com, December 13, 2007
• "Worldwide Emerging Environmental Issues Affecting The U.S. Military". American Council for the UNU Millennium Project, December, 2007
  

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