ChemConnections

Build a Better CD Player: How Can You Get Blue Light from a Solid?

Paperback

Herbert Beall (Author), Dean J. Campbell (Author), Arthur B. Ellis (Author), George Lisensky (Author, Beloit College), Joanne Stewart (Author)

Overview | Formats | For Instructors

This module challenges students to think about a question in materials design—how to get light out of a solid.

Light-emitting solids are essential for many high technology materials and products, including compact disc (CD) players. Students make use of the periodic table to propose color-specific emitting solids based on knowledge of periodic properties, bonding, electronic transitions, solid structures, and the properties of light.