For decades, LEDs have been used as a light source in place of CCFLs or incandescent bulbs. In the past they have been restricted to niche markets such as flashlights, novelty items, outdoor accent lighting and automobile lights. Advances inLED technology have led to increased light output with a high level of efficiency, causing LEDs to become bright enough to be used for illumination. High power LEDs are used in general lighting applications but are also suitable for backlighting applications. The high-power LED market is slowly eclipsing the general lighting market and steadily driving mainland China’s LED production. China’s LED lighting products industry is growing rapidly, and the country is now the largest producer, accounting for an estimated 70 percent of global output. According to market researcher Global Sources, China’s LED lighting exports in 2007 were estimated at US$1 billion; and, based on current shipment values; revenue is expected to reach US$2 billion within the next three years. High power LEDs used for general illumination offer high brightness andenergy-efficient benefits that are driving their adoption by lighting and electronics manufacturers worldwide.