Building a Better Lightbulb

The 100-watt incandescent light bulb is starting to dim. Thanks to a federal law signed three years ago, the bulbs are being phased out nationwide and will gradually be replaced by bulbs that are just as bright, but use nearly 30 percent less energy. That leaves consumers with choices, including Halogen bulbs and compact fluorescents, or CFLs. CFLs are some of the most efficient bulbs on the market -- but they have an image problem.