LEDs can double as data transmitters, save even more energy

Here is one more totally awesome reason that we should be switching out incandescents for LED lightbulbs: a new technology means a single LED can transmit more data than a cellular tower. Prof. Harald Haas demonstrates in this TEDGlobal talk:

The lightbulb is flickering on and off too fast for the human eye to detect.

Here is one more totally awesome reason that we should be switching out incandescents for LED lightbulbs: a new technology means a single LED can transmit more data than a cellular tower. Professor Harald Haas demonstrates in this TEDGlobal talk:

The lightbulb is flickering on and off too fast for the human eye to detect. So while we see just … light, a sensor sees a binary on/off stream it can translate into 0s and 1s. You can also turn the lightbulb "off" and still transmit data. (The secret is: it's not actually off! Our eyes are just really not all that sensitive.)

For super extra bonus points, this method of data transmission is extremely energy efficient, even putting aside the inherent efficiency of LEDs. As Haas puts it, "This is data through illumination … The data transmission comes for free."

A message from

All donations TRIPLED for a limited time!

Grist is the only award-winning newsroom focused on exploring equitable solutions to climate change. It’s vital reporting made entirely possible by loyal readers like you. At Grist, we don’t believe in paywalls. Instead, we rely on our readers to pitch in what they can so that we can continue bringing you our solution-based climate news. Donate now and your gift will be TRIPLED. Join us as a $25/month donor or make a $300 one-time gift, and we’ll send you a limited-edition gift bundle as a token of our gratitude. It’s our way of saying thanks for supporting our work.

Donate Now Not Now