Silicon-based LEDs in two years?

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has succeeded in manufacturing high-performance silicon-based prototypes of blue and white LEDs. The light-emitting gallium nitride layers of these LED chips are grown on silicon wafers with a diameter of 150mm. Silicon is used to replace sapphire in the chips. According to OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, the pilot LED chips will be tested under practical conditions, with a chance that the first silicon-based LEDs will be on market in two years.