LG Innotek was named an “Outstanding New Technology Development Company” at the International Photonics & Light Convergence Expo held on June 26 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, receiving the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award. The company was recognized for the excellence of its ‘EP (Eye Pleasing) LED,’ a functional lighting source that is gentle on the eyes.
The Outstanding New Technology Development Company Award is a government award hosted by the Korea Association for Photonics Industry Development, presented to companies that have contributed to industrial development through the development of new technologies and outstanding products in the fields of light, LED, OLED, and lasers.
LG Innotek’s ‘EP LED’ is a new-concept lighting LED that is good for eye health. Applying ultra-precise LED chip design technology that controls the wavelength of light, the company launched it as a world first this past January.
In practice, the ‘EP LED’ reduces stress on the retina caused by lighting, making the eyes more comfortable. It emits up to 60% less of the 415–455 nanometer (nm) wavelengths that generate reactive oxygen species in the retina, compared with sunlight or conventional LEDs.
In addition, the ‘EP LED’ can be used to create lighting that helps improve cognitive ability and concentration. This is because it emits 17% more of the 465–495 nm wavelengths—which activate the body’s physiological functions—than sunlight.
In particular, the ‘EP LED’ can enhance functionality by varying the color temperature. In stores and offices, a high color temperature close to midday sunlight can activate biological rhythms, while in break rooms and hospital rooms, a low color temperature similar to an incandescent bulb can enhance a sense of stability.
LG Innotek has installed lighting equipped with the ‘EP LED’ at its new Pyeongtaek plant, scheduled to open this July, and is expanding sales to Japan and the Greater China region.