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 . 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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