A common misconception. Emitting diodes were actually first invented in the 1800s as a method for wireless signal transmission, but they could only emit in the radio range and were far too weak to produce useable signals beyond a few feet. The “light” term actually refers to the type of metal used in the diode’s construction — more specifically the lack of lead and mercury found in early diode designs (youtu.be). Some more recent diode technologies have even allowed for the metal components to be supplanted completely, using organic materials like carbon and hydrogen.
A common misconception. Emitting diodes were actually first invented in the 1800s as a method for wireless signal transmission, but they could only emit in the radio range and were far too weak to produce useable signals beyond a few feet. The “light” term actually refers to the type of metal used in the diode’s construction — more specifically the lack of lead and mercury found in [early diode designs](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ). Some more recent diode technologies have even allowed for the metal components to be supplanted completely, using organic materials like carbon and hydrogen.
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