Luminous fabric, using optical fibers or LEDs, is sold by Luminex, LumiGram, and Philips. It uses low voltage batteries to produce a subtle, multi-colored light suitable for various design schemes. The potential for this fabric is quite large, with work underway to embed sensors within it.
Luminous fabric, or photoluminescent fabric, is a new type of fabric based on optical fibers or LEDs. This fabric is currently (as of April 2007) sold by just three companies: Italy-based Luminex, LumiGram, a French luxury company, and Philips, the global electronics giant. The fabric light uses low voltage batteries (3-5V) to provide a pleasant glow in any colour. Specific designs can produce varying intensities, allowing for patterns or images to be incorporated into the fabric. Luminous fabric is a good example of a product that is just starting out, and observing its adoption will be an interesting case study in product economics and sociology.
Since fiber optics were invented in the 1970s, companies have experimented with the idea of glowing fabrics, but it’s not until now – in the late 00s – that the technology is truly viable. This is thanks to advances in optics and materials science. Different approaches are used: Luminex and LumiGram use fiber optics, while Philips uses tiny LEDs. Both approaches require batteries and produce negligible heat despite their brightness. Batteries must be removed before washing. The bright fabric should be hand washed and, while relatively flexible, will break if folded directly in half.
Luminous fabric, unlike neon and glow-in-the-dark lights, provides a subtle, multi-coloured light making it much more suitable for various design schemes. Luminous fabric is interesting because, while it has only recently become available, it is up to customers to come up with creative uses for it, which in turn could determine how popular it ultimately becomes. Some ideas: bright cushions, table placements, bedspreads, curtains, paintings, etc. It could also be useful for nightclubs, temporary road signs, parties, Halloween decorations and many other uses.
Work is underway to embed sensors within the glowing fabric that would allow it to respond to environmental cues such as temperature, humidity or wind. A room covered in heat sensitive fabric could be an amazing sight. A blouse that responds to the vibrations produced by the heart would truly be a unique class of clothing and a new form of human expression. The potential for this fabric is obviously quite large and it seems likely that we will see it popping up in homes, restaurants and clubs for years to come.
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