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OSRAM Sylvania Opens Solid State Lighting Research Center; Announces DOE Award

April 12, 2009 by Jeff Shepard

OSRAM Sylvania has opened an expanded clean room dedicated to solid-state lighting research and announced research and product development awards from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) totaling nearly $2 million.

"As the economic downturn threatens to slow the pace of green technology investments, I’m proud to say OSRAM Sylvania is steadfast in our dedication to solid-state lighting research," said Charlie Jerabek, President and CEO of OSRAM Sylavania. "The next-generation lighting OSRAM Sylvania is developing will save businesses and consumers millions of dollars in energy costs each year."

The new fully-equipped clean room environment is the result of a multi-million dollar investment by OSRAM Sylvania and positions the lighting company for expanded research initiatives.

The DOE Solid State Lighting Research and Development Program awarded OSRAM Sylvania nearly $2 million on March 27 to fund Core Technology and Product Development projects that will take advantage of the company’s new clean room facility.

"This new clean room strengthens our research and development capabilities and makes us an even more valuable partner for the Department of Energy Solid State Lighting Programs," said Martin Zachau, OSRAM Sylvania Vice President of Research and Development.

The company will use the research award to develop an LED replacement for a small halogen spotlight, known as an MR-16 lamp. The award will also fund a basic research project to optimize LED phosphors for more efficient, next-generation white LEDs.

Both projects will significantly contribute to the stated goal of the DOE Solid State Lighting Program: "By 2015, develop advanced solid-state lighting technologies that, compared to conventional lighting technologies, are much more energy efficient, longer lasting, and cost competitive by targeting a product system efficiency of 50% with lighting that accurately reproduces sunlight spectrum." OSRAM Sylvania will begin work on the projects in mid-2009 and conclude by 2011 with published reports to DOE officials.