Visible light has an inescapable presence all around us. We have generated light from prehistoric times using a variety of techniques. In modern times, we mainly produce illumination through electrical means. There are interesting historic anecdotes and fascinating scientific facts behind the various modern techniques for generating light.This book attempts to describe the stories and technologies related to many light sources — some common, some less so. Described in a more-or-less chronological fashion, the book looks at developments from Edison and Swan's invention of the incandescent...

Visible light has an inescapable presence all around us. We have generated light from prehistoric times using a variety of techniques. In modern times, we mainly produce illumination through electrical means. There are interesting historic anecdotes and fascinating scientific facts behind the various modern techniques for generating light.This book attempts to describe the stories and technologies related to many light sources — some common, some less so. Described in a more-or-less chronological fashion, the book looks at developments from Edison and Swan's invention of the incandescent...