Compact fluorescent lights are leading the race to replace the incandescent bulb. But while efficient, CFL light can be harsh. Ditto for light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, which use even less power but are more costly. QD Vision, a Water-town (Mass.) startup, says itrncan lower energy use and improve light quality by combining LEDs with tiny synthetic crystals they call quantum dots. Measuring just 5 billionths of a meter wide, the crystals glow when excited by a trickle of electricity. QD Vision and its partner, Nexxus Lighting, are coming out with a $100 bulb that uses 12 watts, matches the output of a 75-watt incandescent bulb and can last 50 times longer. The device is aimed at retailers who want to cut their energy use and lower the labor costs of replacing bulbs.
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