Scientists at the University of Georgia claim to have developed the world's first LED lights that emit warm white light using a single emitting material.
The move means that LEDs could soon become even more suitable for people to use in normal lighting for the home.
LED bulbs are known for their energy-efficiency and durability, however, the bluish cold light of current illuminations has precluded their widespread use for indoor lighting.
The material is described in detail in the current edition of the Nature Publishing Group journal entitled Light: Science and Applications.
Senior author and associate professor in the department of physics in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and in the College of Engineering Zhengwei Pan said right now LEDs are mainly used in torches and automotive lamps because they give off a cooler light.
It is hoped that more people would be interested in using the energy-efficient ceiling light fittings throughout the home.
"Our material achieves a warm color temperature while at the same time giving highly accurate color rendition, which is something no single-phosphor-converted LED has ever been shown to do," the expert continued.
Pan said there is still work to do to ensure that these lights can be used for ceiling spotlights in the home more regularly, but is happy to have such a good starting point.
The research was funded by the US National Science Foundation, the National Basic Research Programs of China and the US Department of Energy.
Lead author and doctoral student in the College of Engineering Xufan Li commented: "The use of a single phosphor solves the problem of colour stability because the colour quality doesn't change with increasing temperatures."
Recent industry figures compiled by the Taiwan LED Lighting Industry Alliance found that the LED lighting market will grow by as much as 32 per cent in the next seven years.
