When it comes to LEDs, people are beginning to see the light

Whether it was the high-profile use of light-emitting diodes at the Beijing Olympics or simply the more eco-conscious atmosphere around the globe, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council reports that LED makers in Taiwan realized a 16.2 percent increase in sales for their products during the first half of 2008. Revenue for the period was approximately $771.3 million.

The country claims to be the world's second largest producer of LED technology, with about 20 percent of the global market. It is reaching for 30 percent of the market by 2010. Japan currently is the largest LED producer, with a 37 percent share.

An LED technology company from Taiwan, Opto Tech, was responsible for supplying at least some of the technology used in highly visible ways during the Beijing Olympics, according to the trade organization. There were 44,000 lamps used in the 147 meter by 36 meter screen, plus there were another 36,000 (or so!) LED lamps used to make up the Water Cube that housed the swimming competitions. The LED screen used to broadcast events was 30 meters by 200 meters.

Taiwan itself is pushing LED adoption: The government hopes to replace all of the island's incandescent traffic lights with LED lamps during the next three years.

If you are looking for more research sources on LED, the Taiwan trade council cites these two: Strategies Unlimited (which looks at advanced lighting technologies) and LEDinside, which covers applications and developments in the LED market.