Solid-State Automotive Lighting: Implications for Sustainability and Safety

Abstract

Solid-state technologies using light-emitting diodes are increasing in acceptance for use in automotive lighting. For signalling systems they have already achieved widespread use; for forward lighting systems they have been introduced and there are substantial ongoing efforts to introduce them for illumination. In the present paper, a brief overview of solid-state lighting technology for automotive applications is given. This overview first focuses on the implications of solid-state lighting for energy utilization and environmental impacts compared to incumbent lighting technologies. Secondly, the unique photometric, colorimetric and temporal characteristics of solid-state lighting systems are described with emphasis on the safety-related implications for driver vision and visual comfort.