A look at winners of 2014 Nobel Prize in physics
By The Associated Press, Associated Press
Oct 7, 2014 8:53 AM CDT
FILE - In this June 15, 2006 file photo, Prof. Shuji Nakamura demonstrates different LED lights during a presentation in Santa Barbara, Calif. when he was awarded the $1.2 million Millennium Technology Prize for revolutionary inventions in light and laser technology. Nakamura along with Isamu Akasaki...   (Associated Press)

WHO WON?

Japanese scientists Isamu Akasaki, 85, a professor at Meijo University, Nagoya; Hiroshi Amano, 54, a professor at Nagoya University; and Japanese-born American scientist Shuji Nakamura, 60, of the University of California at Santa Barbara.

FOR WHAT?

For inventing blue light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, that can be combined with green and red LEDs to create a light that appears white.

SIGNIFICANCE

The invention of blue LEDs has spurred the development of smartphones, computer and television screens. White LED lights also provide a way of replacing traditional incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps with an energy-efficient and environment-friendly source.

"Incandescent light bulbs had lit the 20th century; the 21st century will be lit by LED lamps," the Nobel committee said.

WHAT THEY SAID

In a news conference on Japanese television, Akasaki immediately thanked his colleagues.

"I did not achieve this alone," he said.

Nakamura said he was satisfied that LED lighting is becoming a reality.

"I hope that energy-efficient LED light bulbs will help reduce energy use and lower the cost of lighting worldwide," he said in a statement.

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