Light Emitting Diodes (LED)

A Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) is a solid semiconductor material that converts electrical current into a unidirectional spectrum of light.  This narrow beam of light is ideal for spot light and other similar applications.  Although ideal for these applications LEDs are not currently a viable solution for applications that require wide light distribution, such as table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.
Like fluorescent and induction lighting one benefit of LEDs are the high level of energy efficiency and a long rated life (around 50,000 hours).  This rated life however has been drastically reduced over the history of LED technology.  The original specifications rated these lights for 100,000 hours, but due to challenges with heat LEDs have moved down to 30,000 to 50,000 hours.   In an attempt to counteract the heat issues LEDs often come equipped with heat sinks and fans (dependant of size of LEDs).
Overall, LED technology is still being developed and will in the future become the most viable and energy efficient lighting solution available.  Until this technology has found a way to overcome the poor light distribution and heat issues it faces, technologies such as fluorescent will be the more commonly used lighting product.