Multiple films of red-green-blue (RGB) luminescent silicon nanoparticles are integrated in a cascade configuration as a top coating in an ultraviolet/blue light emitting diode (LED) to convert it to a white LED. The configuration of RGB luminescent silicon nanoparticle films harnesses the short wavelength portion of the light emitted from the UV/blue LED while transmitting efficiently the longer wavelength portion. The configuration also reduces damaging heat and/or ultraviolet effects to both the device and to humans.