In various embodiments of the invention, a unique construction for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with prisms and dyes and other optical elements can be used to generate a variety of light sources with different emission spectra. In an embodiment of the invention, reflected light can be redirected outward. In another embodiment of the invention, a white LED based light uses a blue LED and associated optics elements, including a high index glass prism or rod, a layer of dyed florescent polymer and an extraction-enhancing optical element or lens, such that all of the light emitted from with the dye layer can be directed outward.