Researchers at OSA GmbH of Berlin have developed LEDs that are up to five times brighter than conventional devices and that will cost half as much as other high-brightness LEDs. The company, a subsidiary of SLI Inc. of Canton, Mass., expects to release them commercially within 18 to 24 months.

The white, red and amber light sources incorporate an improved copper heat sink, eliminating the expense of lead frame assemblies. The company says that prototypes operate at drive currents of 200 to 250 mA, increasing their brightness, but that they display the efficiency and long life of standard LEDs.