LED and thermocouples

LED and thermocouples

Light Emitting Diodes are also close in relation to thermocouples. N-type and p-type crystals are not the only materials whose electrons “orbit” at varying energy levels. Different metals have very different levels as well. If a copper wire is twisted together with an iron wire, a junction is born between the two, which enclose an energy-step like that of an LED.

The energy-step we are talking about here is in a thermocouple that is definitely smaller than that of an LED. If electrons become forced to travel across the thermocouple’s energy step, they experience a decrease in energy and emit energy. But exactly what do they emit? Well, Longwave Infrared Light and crystal vibrations. Together we have named them “heat energy”.

The energy step in a thermocouple is way too small, so it cannot possibly emit photons of visible light. However, it produces “heat”. And in opposition, if heated, a thermocouple can make an electric current.

When maneuvered one way, a thermocouple is kind of like an LED which emits heat. And when conducted in a different way, it acts like a “solar battery” and becomes a “heat battery”.

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