2025-03-26

Analysis of optical characteristics of LED

The optical characteristics of leds are one of the core advantages that distinguish them from traditional light sources

The optical characteristics of leds are one of the core advantages that distinguish them from traditional light sources, covering multiple dimensions such as light color, distribution, and intensity. The following is the system analysis of LED optical characteristics:

One. Spectral characteristics

1. 1.Spectral composition

Monochrome LED:

  • It presents a narrow band spectrum, with a half-height width (FWHM) typically 20-40nm
  • For example, the spectral peak of blue LED (450nm) and red LED (620nm) is sharp

White LED:

  • YAG phosphor is excited by blue chip (~450nm) to produce wide spectrum yellow light (500-700nm)
  • The spectrum presents a bimodal structure (blue peak + yellow continuous spectrum)

1.2. Key parameters

argument definition Typical value Influencing factor
Color coordinates (CIE) The position of the light color in the chromaticity diagram (0.33,0.33) is pure white light Phosphor formulation/chip wavelength
Color temperature (CCT) Temperature characterization of white light color 2700K-6500K Phosphor ratio/blue light intensity
Color Rendering Index (CRI) Color Reproduction Capability (Ra) Ordinary LED:70-85 Spectral continuity and coverage
Color Tolerance (SDCM) Color consistency index ≤5 is qualified product Production process control

Two.Spatial light distribution characteristics

1. Beam Angle classification

Lambertian distribution:

  • The light intensity is proportional to the Angle cosine (Iθ=I₀·cosθ).
  • Typical beam Angle 120°, suitable for general lighting

Bat wing profile distribution:

  • The lateral light is stronger than the central light
  • Suitable for road lighting to reduce glare

Concentrating type distribution:

  • Beam Angle <30°, secondary optical design
  • It is used in spotlights and headlights

2. Optical design elements

  • Primary optics: chip surface microstructure (e.g., flip-chip reflection cup)
  • Secondary optics: External lens/reflector (PC/PMMA material)
  • Tertiary optics: light guide/diffuser (for panel lights)

Three.Photometric parameter

1. Comparison of core indicators

argument unit Test condition Engineering significance
Luminous flux (Φ) Lumen (lm) Full space measurement of the integrating sphere Total luminous capacity
Light intensity (I) Candela (cd) Specific direction measurement Directional brightness
Illuminance (E) Lux (lx) Luminous flux per unit area of the exposed surface Actual lighting effect
Brightness (L) cd/m² Light intensity per unit projected area Visual brightness perception

2. Efficiency indicators

  • Radiation efficiency: conversion efficiency from electrical power to optical power (up to 80%)
  • Luminous efficiency: electric power → visible luminous flux (currently commercial LED up to 200lm/W)
  • System light efficiency: Overall efficiency including drive loss (typically 15-20% reduction)

Four.Temperature optical effect

1. Temperature influence mechanism

  • Wavelength drift: 0.1-0.3nm/℃ (InGaN material is more sensitive)
  • Luminous flux attenuation: -0.3%~-0.5%/℃ (nonlinear intensification at high temperature)
  • Color coordinate offset: White LED Δu'v' can reach 0.005 at 85 ° C

2. Thermo-optical coupling model

Where k is the temperature coefficient and T₀ is the reference temperature

Five.Advanced optical technology

CSP Package (Chip Scale Package)

  • Stent-free design improves light extraction efficiency by 15-20%

Quantum dot technology

  • Color gamut up to NTSC 110%, CRI>95

Microlens array

  • Achieve accurate light distribution (e.g. ADB headlights for cars)

Six.Test method

  • Distributed photometer: Measures spatial light intensity distribution
  • Integrating sphere spectrometer: Obtain complete spectral data
  • Near-field test system: analysis of chip-level light field distribution
Summary: LED optical characteristics key points
  • Precise and controllable colors: specific spectra are achieved through material engineering
  • Flexible directivity: from Lambertian body to collimation beam can be designed
  • Continuous breakthrough in efficiency: from 303lm/W in the laboratory to commercialization progress
  • Thermal sensitivity: Collaborative design of light and heat is required
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