Total luminous flux is the spatially integrated, photopically weighted, total light output from a lamp. Total luminous flux is the most important parameter for non-directional, general lighting products.

For directional lamps, such as reflector lamps, intensity and beam angle are the most important parameters. The lamp total luminous flux divided by the lamp electrical power is the luminous efficacy (lm/W) of a lamp.

The most common method for measuring the total luminous flux of lamps is using an integrating sphere photometer employing V (lambda) corrected photometer or spectrometer. The reading from the detection system is compared to a similar reading obtained from a calibrated standard lamp of known output, commonly referred to as the “comparison method”. The results of this comparison determine the light output of the test lamp.

Architectural lighting is an integral part of the aesthetics and function of architecture, emphasizing the importance of professional lighting design as part of the total design process. Architectural lighting designers rely on unique lighting designs that fuel artistic inspiration and help them to succeed and compete professionally. The lamp and lighting system manufacturers design and test their products to serve this artistic need as well as to meet industry standards for lighting systems characterization.

Total luminous flux is the photopically weighted total light output from a light source. Total luminous flux is a key parameter for determining the luminous efficacy of a lighting system. The most common method for measuring the total luminous flux of light sources is using an integrating sphere spectrometer. The reading from the detection system is compared to a similar reading obtained from a calibrated lamp standard of known output. This process is commonly referred to as the “comparison method”. Today this is commonly done with software controlled hardware. The results of this comparison determine the light output of the lighting system. Labsphere offers a complete line of integrating sphere spectrometer and photometers for luminous characterization of lamps, LEDs and lighting systems.

For most applications the lamp under test is placed in the center of an integrating sphere photometer/spectrometer which collects the total flux output of the lamp. The reading from the detection system is compared to a similar reading obtained from a calibrated standard lamp of known output, commonly referred to as the “comparison method”. The results of this comparison determine the measurement of the flux output of the unknown lamp.

For light sources with directional output, a similar measurement can be made by directing the light source through a port in the integrating sphere. Again, the reading obtained for the device under test (DUT) is compared with the calibration reading to derive the flux output of the DUT.

Manufacturers, distributors and users of boroscopes, endoscopes, and similar systems require precise calibration and/or characterization of the fiber-optic based illuminator systems used with these devices.

Measurement is performed by directing the light from the fiber illuminator or light guide into an integrating sphere, which collects the total flux from the source, and, by a process of multiple reflections, transfers a representative portion of this flux to a detection system. Typical quantity of interest is luminous flux expressed in lumens.

The Labsphere Laser Power Measurement Systems (LPMS) Series assures an accurate, reproducible method of determining the total power from a collimated or divergent laser or laser diode. Specifically designed for laser applications, LPMS spheres are ideal for measuring the total power of a beam of optical radiance. Because of the unique geometry of the sphere, beam power measurements are independent of beam polarization, and are insensitive to beam alignment.

Labsphere has created thousands of customized solutions, tailored to the specific and often proprietary needs of our customers.  Our expert team of Scientists and Engineers continue to advance our nearly 40 years of experience in dozens of industries – and our Operations team quickly turns these into finished product through our internal prototype shop and advanced manufacturing techniques.  Contact Labsphere with your specialized needs today.