ACDC Lighting Systems of the UK has launched a new line of high-intensity LEDs (light emitting diodes), which is said to be at the forefront of this technology.

"The new line utilises Luxeon technology developed by LumiLed's Lighting," says ACDC's sales and marketing assistant Louise Ellis. "It is ideal for various applications in areas such as hotels and restaurants, gardens, interiors and exteriors, and it is fast becoming popular with architects and designers alike."

She continues: "The Luxeon power light source is at the forefront of high-flux LED technology. It combines the practical advantages of conventional LEDs such as long life and low energy, while producing a light output which is second to none."

"Luxeon is groundbreaking technology that challenges conventional light bulbs with smaller, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient light sources based on LED technology. LEDs have existed for decades but until recently they have not had the optical output power necessary to challenge conventional lighting.

"Luxeon is based on patented technology that makes it possible to enlarge the solid state light emitting chip to achieve greater brightness while maintaining proper thermal and electrical management.

"The resulting light source has a far smaller footprint than other solutions as well as an operating life in excess of 50,000 hours, eliminating the need for bulb replacement and opening doors to new and improved applications. Multiple colour choices and features such as mercury-free operation, no ultraviolet (UV) light, instant illumination, precise beam control and minimum glare also offer important new capabilities for the lighting industry.

The line of LEDs consists of: the Minicube, Orcus, Luna, Vertigo, Cubeus, Genius and Aurora.

Hi-tech LEDs ... Vertigo and Magna (right).

Elaborating on the range, Ellis says: Designed for interior wall wash applications, Minicube is a brushed or polished 30-mm aluminium cube. It utilises the incredibly intense light output from the compact single Luxeon source to create a powerful plume of light. The range of potential applications is vast, ranging from hotels and bars, to retail outlets and residential projects.

"Orcus utilises tiny Luxeon-powered light units on flexible arms to make a light fitting that can be used as a reading light, a bed head unit, or simply a fantastic looking feature light in any room. The incredibly compact 30 mm by 31 mm head gives a sharp tight 10-degree beam, and its 8 mm bendable arm can be adjusted to provide optimum flexibility.

"Luna is a compact, asymmetric recessed light. It can be mounted either in a wall or ceiling to offer a clearly defined wash of light. The product can be utilised in numerous project applications, including corridors, stairways and more general feature lights in cinemas, hotels, restaurants and many more applications.

"Vertigo is an IP 65 up and down wall wash luminaire ideal for producing striking lighting effects. Using two Luxeon light sources, different colours can be created to offer diverse effects. The unique high output from the compact Luxeon light source enables a cool, crisp beam to be created. This fitting can be used for both interior and exterior applications to offer a lighting effect unattainable with any other light source.

"Utilising four Luxeons, IP 65 Cubeus can be used to produce a unique four-directional wall wash effect. The long-life, low-energy characteristics of Luxeon make it ideal for applications where maintenance may prove difficult, and by interlinking several 24 V luminaires, stunning visual effects can be created.

"The extremely compact single Luxeon recessed downlight is ideal for ceilings or display cabinets. Genius is only 40 mm in diameter and neatly incorporates the cool beamed Luxeon, offering a powerful output from an incredibly small luminaire. The Aurora utilises three Luxeons in a compact fitting, producing an even more stunning visual effect."

Gareth Frankland, ACDC Lighting's sales and marketing director comments: "The new Luxeon light source has enabled us to create a range of products, never previously conceivable. These products represent the first generation of 'serious' LED luminaries, certainly something for the future."