Photometric Measurements and Evaluation of Optical Glass Components
Do you need to verify that a glass optical component performs exactly as designed? At ECOGLASS, we provide photometric measurements of optical components used in lighting for transport illumination, industrial and street lighting, optoelectronic or other special technical applications. Using goniometers and a CCD camera, we measure light maps, light distribution, evaluate the optical function of glass parts, provide error analyses and prepare data for further development, comparison or production approval.
What Photometric Measurement Verifies
Photometric measurement helps determine how light is distributed after passing through or reflecting from optical glass, a glass lens or another optical component. It allows the real behaviour of the component to be compared with the original optical design, optical simulation or specific requirements of the final application.
The results are an important technical basis for the development of new components, prototype testing, comparison of several design variants or verification of optical performance before and during serial production.
Light Map Measurement Using Goniometers and a CCD Camera
To verify the precise optical function of glass components, ECOGLASS uses two goniometers and one CCD camera. This equipment allows us to measure and evaluate light maps, analyse the shape of the light distribution and export measured data in various formats according to the requirements of each project.
The measurement helps confirm whether the optical component directs light correctly and whether the resulting light distribution corresponds to the intended application.
Where Photometric Measurement Brings Benefit?
Photometric measurement is especially useful when a real optical component needs to be tested, compared with simulation results or evaluated before the next stage of development. Following steps are all included in our standard development projects as well as during troubleshooting enquiries.
Photometric evaluation can be used, for example:
- after the production of the first optical component prototype,
- when testing a glass lens, TIR optic or other glass optical component,
- when comparing several optical design variants,
- before starting serial production as well as during serial production as part of standard quality control,
- when fine-tuning optical shape for LED or laser light sources,
- when verifying a proper function of lighting optics for street lighting, railway applications, runway lighting or other technical applications.
- during troubleshooting when light distribution of an existing component does not agree with the desired performance
Connection with Optical Design, Simulation and Prototype Production
Photometric measurements are a natural follow-up to optical design, optical simulation and prototype production. When a customer brings a new project, ECOGLASS can first work on the optical design of the component, verify its function through simulation and then test the real light output after prototype production.
This process helps identify possible differences between the design, simulation and final manufactured component. Based on the measured data, the optical shape can be adjusted, further steps can be recommended or technical documentation can be prepared for the decision about serial production.
Photometric Measurements for Lighting and Technical Applications
Photometric measurements are important wherever light needs to be controlled with precision. They are used in the development of optics for industrial lighting, public lighting, LED applications, transport infrastructure, automotive applications and special technical solutions.
For lighting optics, measurement helps verify whether the glass component creates the required light distribution and whether it meets the functional requirements of the luminaire or optical system.
Outputs of Photometric Measurement
The outputs of photometric measurement may include measured light maps, data export in the required format and technical documents for further evaluation. Depending on the project, the results can be used to compare real measurements with simulation, adjust the optical design or support prototype approval.
Thanks to experience with measuring and evaluating light maps, ECOGLASS can provide data that helps customers decide whether the optical component is ready for the next stage of development or production.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photometric Measurement
What is photometric measurement of optical glass component?
Photometric measurement verifies how optical glass component works with light. It helps determine whether the component creates the required light distribution and whether it corresponds to the design or application requirements.
What is light map measurement used for?
Light map measurement is used to evaluate the distribution of light. The results can be used for prototype testing, comparison of several optical variants or adjustment of the design before serial production as well as for quality control during serial production.
Can photometric measurement be used after optical simulation?
Yes. Photometric measurement is often used as a follow-up step after optical simulation. It helps compare expected simulation results with the real behaviour of the manufactured optical component.
What input data or samples are needed for measurement?
Ideally, the customer provides a sample of the optical component, prototype or serial assembly (if available), technical requirements, information about the light source and the intended application. Depending on the project, a 3D model or additional technical documentation may also be useful.
Can the measurement be used for custom optical components?
Yes. The service is suitable not only for standard optics, but also for custom glass parts and optical components developed for a specific application.
Are you interested in evaluation of proper optical function of your component?
| Send us your requirements, sample or 3D model of the optical component. We will recommend a suitable measurement method, verify the light map distribution and prepare data for further evaluation. We will also help you decide whether your project requires individual photometric measurement or a more complex cooperation from optical design to prototype and serial production. |