On Thomas Edison Bulb Anniversary, Lighting Breakthrough

Edison—today's Google-doodle honoree—to be surpassed by his own company?

But while the company founded by Edison was announcing this highly technical development, its rivals were aiming at a lighting achievement by the end of 2010 that would be far more tangible to consumers—a high-efficiency LED bulb, bright enough for reading, that can be screwed into an ordinary home lamp socket.

Both Osram Sylvania and Philips had LED bulbs designed to replace the popular 60-watt incandescent bulb on store shelves at the end of 2010. GE had a 40-watt LED bulb on the market by the end of 2010, with its 60-watt entry to the market available in by the end of 2011.

GE says its thermal management breakthrough is key for removing an obstacle to wider LED use. Because

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