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It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

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Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#42
post #30
post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You could, you know, tape over them or something, about 5 mins of work.

and tape falls off, can impede functionality depending on the device, etc

> tape falls off

So re-apply it when it falls off after 5 years

> can impede functionality

Give me an example where covering up a blue LED impedes functionality.

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#44
Which is why I was always baffled by the decorative lights in my old office.

It was a wall with small scattered lights in different colors, so they used recessed LEDs. Fine. But instead of color LEDs with a neutral diffuser, it had red+green+blue triple LEDs to make white light, with a red/green/blue plastic in front to recolor it!

I understand how this could be cheaper to assemble or maintain, but I'll never not balk at a system that has components undoing each other's work. Feels almost disrepectful to the technology.

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#45
post #36
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem is that he was unfairly compensated by the economic system (capitalism) he works in, and had to fight for years only to just about break even on legal fees. The guy's gumption led to the invention of a multi-billion dollar pear year industry, and he got basically none of it.

The inverse also happens, though, because socialism fails to capture the value. According to the labor theory of value, for example, his work would’ve been valued at some function of (training * hours worked). Despite creating billions in value for humanity, he would’ve been treated very similarly to the rest of his coworkers

Nobody's talking about socialism.

But let's say it was a more socialist society. As a result, everyone would be earning more, including him. And maybe the CEO that tried to fuck his research would earn less.

IDK but for me that sounds like a very good trade-off, given the CEO did nothing, as always, and got billions.

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#46

If only it was impossible. Blue leds are abominable! [EDIT] I hate white ones too so the replies aren't exactly selling them!

Blue LEDs that are on to let you know something has power is abominable, but that isn't the fault of the blue LED. What is abominable is the use of the "cooler" blueish white light being used at night indoors. That should be considered a crime against humanity.

When did blue become the indicator for "has power"? That has traditionally been red or maybe orange/amber even going back to miniature incandescent bulbs or neon bulbs.

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#47
post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

He just said he likes the color blue because of the ocean, where does bis success come in on that?

Ok, let me maybe phrase it as a question. Had he not invented the blue led, would he be telling everyone his childhood in the fishing village made him love the color blue, or would that inspiring memory not exist or maybe not be so significant?

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#48
I thought this was a really well-produced video! It's difficult to communicate science to the public in an accessible way at the right level, and I think Derek does a commendable job.

I really liked the LED explanation at the 4:00 mark. Can anyone who is familiar with semiconductor physics opine on how well this explanation models the reality?

Re: It was almost impossible to make the blue LED [video]

#49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Blue LEDs that are on to let you know something has power is abominable, but that isn't the fault of the blue LED. What is abominable is the use of the "cooler" blueish white light being used at night indoors. That should be considered a crime against humanity.

When did blue become the indicator for "has power"? That has traditionally been red or maybe orange/amber even going back to miniature incandescent bulbs or neon bulbs.

It became that when it became available.???

exec: I'm sick of that red indicator light?

minion: They just came out with a blue LED we can try.

exec: Perfect. Use it on everything. Our products will look different, and people will like it

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