Lighting Laboratory

The illuminating laboratory is equipped with a diversity of instruments for use in research projects and other scientific work. Based on these instruments we can offer a number of services relevant for the lighting industry and other research institutes.

A short description of the instruments and their application is given in the following.

A 2,5 m diameter integrating sphere, which can be used to measure:

• the luminous flux (lumen) of most types of light sources
• the light output ratio (luminaire efficiency) of luminaires

This sphere is essential when testing luminaires and the performance of light sources, for instance their efficacy (lumen per watt).

A 0,5 m diameter integrating sphere, which can be used to measure:

• total reflectance with or without its specular component according to DIN 5036
• total transmittance with or without its specular component according to DIN 5036

Such data are important when developing new materials and when the most suitable materials for a luminaire are to be selected.

Fast simplified measurements can be carried out with handheld instruments.

A diode array colorimeter which can be used for reflectance measurements in the spectral range from 400 nm to 700 nm. The illumination is diffuse and the viewing angle is 8 degrees. The specular component can be included or excluded. A handheld colorimeter with the same spectral but with 0 degrees entrance angle and 45 degrees observation angle is available for lab and field measurements. These instruments are used to characterise painted surfaces, coatings and metal surfaces.

Precision illuminance measurements are possible with a resolution down to 0, 00001 lux. This instrument is used for calibration of special setups in the laboratory.  Portable luxmeters are also available for field measurements.

Precision luminance measurements with measuring fields in the range of 3 degrees to 20 minutes are possible with a resolution down to 0, 001 cd/m2. This kind of measurements is necessary when pigments for fluorescent signs are tested. Fluorescent signs are used on escape routes in for instance buildings and ships. Portable combined instruments are available for colorimetry and luminance measurements.

Photographs taken by our calibrated digital camera can be converted to luminance pictures with a resolution of 8 million points. The luminance is measured in every one of these points. This instrument is among other uses convenient for field measurements of road lighting, tunnel lighting, office lighting and luminaire development.

Detailed measurements of retro reflective materials can be carried out by a goniometer specially designed for the purpose.

Detailed measurements of retro reflective materials can be carried out by a goniometer specially designed for the purpose. Geometries within a wide range of angles are feasible. Fast, simplified measurements can also be done with a handheld instrument with fixed measuring geometry complying with DIN 67520. It has an entrance angle of 5 degrees and an observation angle of 0,33 degrees. Retro reflecting materials are typically used in road traffic signs, for road markers and for pedestrian reflectors.