Dimming LEDs, Without the Flicker

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is a mainstream technology now. LED flashlights, traffic signals, and vehicle lights are commonplace, and the push is on to replace incandescent and fluorescent lamps in mains-powered residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The energy savings to be earned by moving to energy-efficient LED lighting is simply staggering. In China alone, authorities estimate that by moving one-third of their lighting market to LEDs, they will save 100 million kilowatt hours of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 29 million tons each year. However, there is a snag — dimming.