New ESL Bulbs Combine the Best of CFLs, LEDs and Incandescents

What if you could combine the best qualities of incandescent, CFL and LED light bulbs to create the ultimate bulb? Wouldn't that be great? Well, Vu1 think they have done just that with their new ESL bulb.

The ESL, or Electron Stimulated Luminescence, bulb creates light by accelerating electrons to stimulate phosphor, which in turn makes the surface of the bulb glow. By creating light this way, the ESL bulbs eliminate many problems faced by other types of bulbs.

Here are some of the benefits of the ESL:

• The quality of light produced rivals that of incandescents and avoids the problems faced by owners of CFLs and LEDs

• Energy usage is estimated to be around 70% more efficient than an incandescent

• There is no mercury inside and the bulbs are easily recyclable

• Unlike CFLs, they are fully dimmable and achieve full brightness as soon as they are turned on

• Predicted lifespan around three times that of a incandescent

So, what's the catch? Well, the only strike against the ESL for now is the price. While no where near as expensive as an LED bulb, they are a little more expensive than a CFL at around twenty dollar per bulb.

Vu1 has just secured UL approval for the bulbs and plans to have them on the market early next year.

Image via Vu1.