Flashlight or called torch is an illuminating tool used by hand. A typical flashlight has a bulb powered by cells, a focus reflector and a case. Although it is quite simple in its design, it was not invented until 19th century as it must come along with the invention of bulb. As the early cells did not have sufficient power, people used to call it flashlight in English, which refers to instant light.
The modern civilization is attributed to Thomas Edison, a great American inventor. He made the first incandescent lamp which brought light to human for the first time in human history. However, Conrad Hubert, who immigrated from Russia to America, also deserved the same honor by inventing flashlight.
Back home, he was shown a flashing flowerpot by his friend who actually inserted a cell and a small bulb into it. As the electronically-controlled door opens, the bulb begins to illuminate the flowers which look glossing. Attracted to it, Hubert was inspired by the demonstration. He sometimes had to walk in a staggering way in the darkness. Not long before, he still had to need an oil lantern when he was looking for something at the basement. He thought it could be much better if he could bring a movable light with him. Therefore, he put a cell and a bulb into a pipe which later on became the first
flashlight in the world.
With the development of flashlight, LED or light emitting diode, has been widely used for the flashlight. As LED flashlight is highly efficient, it has stepped into everybody's life.
As early as 1968, the research into LED has made a breakthrough. By mixing nitrogen, LED can shed light in colors of red, orange and yellow. By 1971, the industry introduced the similar LED with the same efficiency. At the time, LED flashlight had become popular around the world. By 1980, the flashlight manufacturers began to use intelligent LED. The great breakthroughs that took place in the early 1980s made AlGaAs LED which sheds red light at a rate of 10 lumen per watt. As the distance the light can project gets longer, the use of LED flashlight is bigger.The technology had brought LED flashlight into a wider use, such as the flashlight used at the beacon by the sea, the flashlight used for hunting fish by fishing population and some special flashlight with special purposes. Meanwhile, the development in capacity of cells makes it available for a long time, with some LED flashlight using battery.
Stepping into the 1990s, LED flashlight ushered in its new era with the invention of chargeable flashlight. Such technology made it possible that people can use it as they want.
In first 10 years of the 21st century, numerous new flashlights are coming into the market, providing more comfort and easier handling. You can them everywhere, in your house and your car. To offer much more convenience, some LED flashlights even adopt remote control system which enables the light to be only a push away.
