Shedding Light on 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics: AIP CEO Fred Dylla Available for Comment on Significance of Blue LEDs for Science and Society

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 7, 2014 -- The American Institute of Physics (AIP) congratulates Isamu Akasaki of Mejio University and Nagoya University, Hiroshi Amano of Nagoya University and Shuji Nakamura of University of California, Santa Barbara for winning the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes, which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources. "The blue LED is a fundamental invention that is rapidly changing the way we bring light to every corner of the home, the street and the workplace -- a practical invention that comes from a fundamental understanding of physics in the solid state," said H. Frederick Dylla, the executive director and CEO of the American Institute of Physics.

"With the International Year of Light in 2015, the world will be celebrating LEDs and their efficient, commercial applications for general lighting, high-tech research and life-saving medicines," he added.

Dylla is able for comment on the importance of this discovery to science or society. He is in Germany at the moment and free any time today EXCEPT the following:- 7:15-8:15 a.m. ET (1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. CET)- 12:00 Noon-1:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CET)

To reach Dr. Dylla, you can email [email protected].

To help journalists and the public understand the context of this work, AIP is compiling Physics Nobel Prize Resources featuring relevant scientific papers and articles, quotes from experts, photos, multimedia, and other resources. Relevant papers published by the AIP will be made freely available.

The page can be accessed at http://www.aip.org/science-news/nobel/physics2014 and will be updated throughout the day. ABOUT AIP

The American Institute of Physics is a federation of scientific societies in the physical sciences, representing scientists, engineers, and educators. AIP offers authoritative information, services, and expertise in physics education and student programs, science communication, government relations, career services for science and engineering professionals, statistical research in physics employment and education, industrial outreach, and the history of physics and allied fields. AIP publishes Physics Today, the most influential and closely followed magazine of the physics community, and is also home to the Society of Physics Students and the Niels Bohr Library and Archives. AIP owns AIP Publishing LLC, a scholarly publisher in the physical and related sciences. http://www.aip.org

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