Since its inception in 1996, and particularly in recent years, LightLab has created a sound technical base protected by several patents, and has built up extensive knowledge in the area of field emission technology combined with cathodoluminescence for lighting.

The basic principle of LightLab's technology has been known for some time. To date, however, most applications have been based on a warm cathode, i.e. a filament, and the technology has long been used for products like the traditional television sets with display tubes.

However, LightLab bases its technology on a cold cathode. The advantage of a cold cathode is that the amount of energy lost by heat is reduced, which cuts energy consumption. This also means that the lamp can be used in a variety of other applications where heat radiation is undesirable.

Since mercury is not used, LightLab's technology offers a lighting product that is both energy efficient and that does not burden the environment with heavy metals. As it also provides good colour reproduction, instant ignition and is insensitive to cold it can replace, or be a good complement to, conventional light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and energy saving and LED lamps.