Lighting technology

Dimensions, units

Light plays a central role in the design of a visual environment. The architecture, people and objects are all made visible by the lighting. Light influences our well-being, the aesthetic effect and the mood of a room or area.

Luminous flux
Visible radiant power emitted by a light source

Luminous efficacy
Efficacy of a lamp

Light intensity
Measure for the luminous flux emitted per solid angle

Illuminance
Luminous flux density on a surface

Exposure
Product of the illuminance and the exposure time

Luminance
Measure of light given off by a surface

Colour of light
From warm white through to daylight white light

Colour rendition
How the spectrum affects the reproduction of colours

Lamps

Having technical knowledge about lamps will help to make the right selection with regards to brilliance, colour rendition, modelling ability and energy efficiency. The spectrum ranges from thermal radiators through to semiconductor spotlights.

Lamps, general
Compact presentation of different lamps

Thermal radiators
Light generation using incandescent metal filaments

Discharge lamps
Low-pressure and high-pressure lamps for efficient lighting

Electroluminescent radiators
Efficient lamps based on semiconductor technology

Luminaire technology

Luminaires perform a range of functions. The most important task of a luminaire is to direct the lamp's luminous flux. The objective here is to distribute light in a way that best suits the particular tasks of the luminaire while making the best possible use of the energy expended. In addition to design-related aspects of luminaires as a constituent part of a building's architecture, those aspects relating to installation and safety are also relevant.