LightFair, Fundamentals of Luminaire Design.
LightFair International (LFI) is the premier lighting exhibition in the US and it draws thousands each year. LFI is equal lighting education and product showcase with the first half of the conference filled with panel discussions, keynote events, and seminars with topics ranging from aesthetic lighting design to detailed lighting controls. As part of an […]
Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function
Bidirectional Scattering plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of optical systems and assessing the quality of optical components. As optical engineers, we are responsible for more than just the design and implementation of these systems for specific applications; we often rely on techniques ranging from simple interferometric setups to electron microscopes for surface […]
Expanding Zemax Capabilities with User Defined Objects
To assist with the computation of the paths of millions of light rays, optical engineers use specialized software to design and simulate optical systems. Zemax is the most popular optical design software and the one I prefer. It includes many built-in functions and objects but sometimes more specific objects are required. Zemax therefore allows user […]
Understanding STVZO Bike Light Pattern and Optical Design
STVZO (Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung) is one of the most critical standards in the realm of bicycle lighting, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while enhancing the safety and convenience of cyclists. Adhering to these stringent standards is essential for providing effective illumination and meeting the necessary regulations for bike lights. Designing an STVZO-compliant light involves a deep understanding […]
5 best materials for LED illumination optics
Freeform lenses (including TIR lenses) and lightpipes are the two most common types of LED illumination optics. They can be made using injection molding and are affordable. Glass materials are not common for general illumination, but are used for spherical lenses or aspheres in devices such as optical instruments with Abbe or Köhler illumination. In […]
5 Tricks to Control Stray Light
When designing an optical system, an optical engineer needs to consider where the light to be directed, and also where the light shouldn’t be propagating. We call this unwanted light: stray light. Stray light is a major limiting factor in many imaging systems. When stray light enters the system, it degrades the signal-to-noise ratio or […]