Measuring and modeling intensity distributions of light sources in waveguide illumination systems

Abstract

We discuss our experimental measurement and theoretical modeling of flux distributions from light sources used in waveguide illumination systems. We have constructed a computer-controlled goniometric detection system to map the intensity distributions of these light sources. As an example, we measure the intensity distribution of an incandescent light bulb. This light bulb is used in the waveguide illumination system of an automobile dashboard. The intensity distribution of this light bulb is not uniform. We present a model for this intensity distribution based on radiometric principles and the shape of the light bulb filament. This model describes the light bulb's intensity distribution as a function of the filament's projected area as seen from the detector.