The ability of materials to transmit light. The dimension of transmission is transmittance, defined as ratio of transmitted luminous flux to incident luminous flux. Transmission can be directed or diffuse.
Transmission describes how the light incident on a body is totally or partially transmitted depending on the transmission factor of the given body. The degree of diffusion of the transmitted light must also be taken into account. In the case of completely transparent materials there is no diffusion. The greater the diffusing power, the smaller the directed component of the transmitted light, up to the point where only diffuse light is produced. Transmitting materials in luminaires can be transparent. This applies to simple front glass panels or filters that absorb certain spectral regions but transmit others, thereby producing coloured light or a reduction in the UV or IR range. Occasionally diffusing materials, e.g. opal glass or opal plastics, are used for front covers in order to reduce lamp luminance and to help control glare.
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