Cold-cathode fluorescent lamps still are the industry standard for backlighting color LCD monitors and TVs, even though red, green and blue (RGB) LEDs have been demonstrated to bring benefits. When LEDs are combined with a color-management feedback controller, they can achieve a superior color gamut, more consistent brightness over time and temperature, and longer useful life than the lamps; they also can incorporate features such as a tunable white point. In addition, LED backlighting eliminates the traces of mercury found in cold-cathode fluorescent lamps, thus meeting mandates for the reduction of hazardous substances.

Out of the hundreds of millions of LCD panels produced every year, less than 1 percent are backlit with RGB LEDs. Many RGB LED solutions have been proposed to address this market, but so far none have had a thin enough profile while offering good color mixing, simple thermal management, plug-and-play installation and a cost that is competitive with that of fluorescent lamps...