S E N S I N G A M E R I C A S, I N C.

Lighting Technologies, Principle,

and Measurement

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Contents
Lighting Technologies Total Luminous Flux
Principle and Measurement 11 Luminous flux
2 Color Rendering Properties
11 How to Measure Total Flux
2 Color Temperature
12 Total Flux Measurement Device
2 Light Distribution
2 Total Luminous Flux
2 Mura (Nonuniformity)
Mura
13 Mura
13 Mura Standards
13 SEMU
Color-Rendering
13 JEITA
Properties 13 Current Measurement Methods
3 Fluorescent, natural white, & LEDs 14 Sensor with sensitivity near to that of the
human eye
14 High-resolution CCD
Color Temperature 14 Low sensitivity error per CCD pixel
6 Color Temperature 14 Measurement Device
7 Differences from Color Temperature Measured 14 Example Measurement Results
Using a Photographic Colorimeter

Light Distribution
9 Light sources
9 How to Measure Light Distribution
10 Light Distribution Measurement Device

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Lighting Technologies, Principle, and Measurement

Color Rendering Properties

Learn what color-rendering properties are and see for yourself the
relationship between color-rendering indexes and how samples

Lighting Technologies, Principle, and Measurement

look under different light sources.

Color Temperature
Learn the correlation between color and temperature, and
see the difference from color temperatures measured using a
photographic color meter.

Light Distribution
Learn what light distribution is from real-life examples and see
how to measure it.

Total Luminous Flux

Learn what total flux is and see how to measure it.

Mura (Nonuniformity)
Learn about mura standards and current measurement methods.
Also, see some examples of measurement results obtained using
a measuring instrument.
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Color-rendering properties
Since long ago, man has compared colors by arranging objects side-by-side and looking at them under natural light
(sunlight). Although torches, candles, incandescent lamps and other light sources are also used for illumination, it has always
been the standard practice to compare colors under natural light.
In addition to fluorescent lamps, LEDs (light emitting diodes) have recently been adopted as illuminating lamps. When
comparing how objects look under these new types of lamps against how they look under natural light, how closely they
match is called the “color-rendering property.” A lamp that produces a hue similar to that of natural light is said to have a
good (high) color-rendering property.
Today, appliance stores offer many types of lamps (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, etc). Further, fluorescent lamps and LED
lamps come in tones like “white,” “warm white,” etc.

ColoR-Rendering Properties
In the examples here, we illuminated an object with a D50 fluorescent lamp with good color-rendering property, a fluorescent
lamp that was labeled as “Natural white” and an LED lamp.

To the eye, they all seem white but the natural white fluorescent
lamp has a slightly higher color temperature and looks slightly
bluish.

The hue changes under different lightintg

We measured the three light sources by mounting an illuminance adapter on the

Konica Minolta Spectroradiometer CS-2000. If you compare the measured points
on the xy chromaticity diagram at right, you can see that the tones are similar and
in the visible range.

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D50 fluorescent lamp Natural white fluorescent lamp LED lamp

X 0.3407 0.3372 0.3465
Y 0.3518 0.3496 0.3662
Correlated color
temperature 5173 5308 5004

•The difference in lamp performance is called using a “color-

rendering index.”
•This index indicates how 15 test colors look under a
particular irradiated light.

ColoR-Rendering Properties
•When comparing a light source against a stipulated
Spectral distribution of D50 fluorescent lamp, natural white fluorescent reference light source, an index of 100 is the best.
lamp and LED lamp Relative intensity
*Because of its low color-rendering index, the LED lamp used this
time made the meat and plate look dark, but the meat and plate can look
fresher with an LED lamp having a higher color-rendering index.

a D50 Natural white

fluorescent lamp fluorescent lamp LED lamp

Next, let’s illuminate raw meat with the three light sources
and see how the meat looks.

Under the D50 fluorescent lamp, the meat and the plate look
like they actually do, but under the natural white fluorescent
lamp, the color temperature is slightly higher and both the
meat and the plate look slightly paler. Under the LED lamp,
everything is darker.

•The illuminance at the sample surface was adjusted to be

about 1600 lux for all three light sources.
•When a sample is illuminated with different light sources,
the color may look different.
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We obtained the following color-rendering indexes from the spectral distribution measured with a Spectrophotometer CS-
2000 modified for illuminance measurement. It can be easily computed using the Data Management Software CS-S10w for
the CS-2000.

Ra R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7


D50 fluorescent lamp 91 94 91 86 90 93 89 90
Natural white fluorescent lamp 79 89 89 54 82 81 72 86
LED lamp 68 65 74 79 68 65 62 81

ColoR-Rendering Properties
R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R13 R14 R15


D50 fluorescent lamp 90 77 78 93 81 93 92 91
Natural white fluorescent lamp 76 16 40 63 55 92 70 92
LED lamp 54 -39 36 61 31 66 88 59

Ra is the “mean color-rendering index.” It is the average of indexes

R1 ~ R8 and is a representative value of color-rendering indexes.

R9 ~ R15 are termed “special color-rendering indexes,” with particular

interest often being shown in R9 (highly vivid red) and in R15.

R9 is used for evaluation of the reproduction of red, and the big

differences in values between the three types of light sources also give
an indication of how much the color of the meat seen under the different
light sources will vary.

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Color temperature
is called the “blackbody locus” and the color temperatures on
this line are called “absolute color temperatures.”
As you know, the twinkling (fixed) stars in the evening
sky have a faint color. It is also known that the surface
temperature of bluish stars is higher than the surface But not all existing light sources are on this blackbody
temperature of reddish stars. locus. In fact, most light sources having a white chromaticity
point are slightly off of this blackbody locus. In such
cases, the color temperature can be obtained using the
isotemperature lines drawn across the blackbody locus. The
color temperature is then referred to as “correlated color
temperature.”

ColoR Temperature
Blacksmiths judge
the temperature
of a hot iron from
its color (red). This
should give you an
idea that some sort
of correlation exists
between color and red → yellow → white → blue white
temperature.

An ideal radiator (blackbody) absorbs all external

electromagnetic radiation and re-emits the radiation.
As the temperature of a blackbody increases, it
changes color in the order of red → yellow → white → blue
white.

If this change in color due to temperature is plotted on an xy

chromaticity diagram as shown to the right, it looks like the
black curved line in the lower center of the diagram. This line 6
 S E N S I N G A M E R I C A S, I N C.

earlier are intended to closely match the sensitivity of the

human eye, the sensors of photographic colorimeters are
similar to the sensitivity of color photographic film.
Fig. 1 below on the left shows the sensitivity of the human
eye, and Fig. 2 below on the right shows the sensitivity
of color photographic film. You can see that they are
completely different.
Because of this, if, for example, the color temperature of
the same light source was measured with a Chroma Meter
Color temperature and correlated color temperature are
and a photographic colorimeter, the result would be two
generally used as an index to represent colors within a range
completely different values.
of white (reddish white, yellowish white, white and bluish
white) and can be measured with our Chroma Meter CL-200/ When measuring color temperature for purposes other

ColoR Temperature
CL-200A (for illuminance and chromaticity measurement), than taking pictures, an industrial measuring instrument is
Chroma Meter CS-200 (for luminance and chromaticity needed.
measurement), Spectroradiometer CS-2000/2000A and 2D
Color Analyzer CA-2000.

Differences from
Color Temperature
Measured Using
a Photographic
Colorimeter
Photographic colorimeters
are separate from the above
industrial-grade measuring
instruments. Although they
claim to measure color
temperature, the purpose is to
determine the appropriate filter
values for taking pictures. The
color temperature taken with
such colorimeters is called “photographic color temperature.”
Although the sensors of the industrial instruments described 7
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As a reference, the graphs below show the results of a comparison between the correlated color temperature of a white LED,
colored LED and fluorescent lamp (warm white, natural white and daylight white) measured using our Spectroradiometer
CS-2000 + Luminance adapter and the color temperature measured using a photographic colorimeter. The horizontal axis is
the correlated color temperature measured using our Spectroradiometer and the vertical axis is the difference in measured
values between the spectroradiometer and photographic colorimeter.

You can see that there are wide differences in measured values with some light sources. The correlated color temperature
measured using the Spectroradiometer is, in principle, near to the true value. But it should be noted that this is just one
example. It is not guaranteed that the same results would be obtained if a different photographic colorimeter were used or
even if the same sample were measured using another photographic colorimeter of the same model as that used this time.

Related standard: JIS Z 8725 Methods for Determining Distribution Temperature and Color ColoR Temperature
Temperature or Correlated Color Temperature of Light Sources

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Light distribution With fluorescent fixtures, the light distribution actually

includes the effect of parts other than the bulb.
One method for categorizing light distribution is the
All light sources emit light, but in what direction (angle) that
international method. It defines the light distribution as
light travels and how strong it is are collectively described as
the ratio of upward moving flux from the light source to
the “light distribution.”
the downward moving flux. In this category, the fixture’s
Light distribution properties are used to determine what light
configuration can be addressed and a rough idea of the
source would be good for, for example, a strongly directional
utilization factor, an important factor in lighting design, can
light or a diffused light. With lighting fixtures and the like,
be understood.
they are similarly measured and evaluated together with light
sources, shades, background deflector panels, etc.

Light Distribution
“Light distribution” is defined in JIS Z8113 “Lighting How to Measure Light Distribution
Vocabulary.” That definition reads: “the angular change or
Lighting distribution measurement is basically divided into
distribution of luminosity of primary light sources, secondary
two approaches. One is to position sensors a certain distance
light sources (including light transmission and reflection of
from a sample and measure the light distribution. In this
optical materials, etc.) and lighting fixtures.” As examples,
case, results are obtained by measuring from multiple points
Fig. 1 on the left above shows the measured light distribution
concentrically located around the sample
of a bullet LED and Fig. 2 on the right above shows the same
for a surface mounted LED.

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Moving Sensor Stationary Sensor

Illustration






Merits • Angle pitch and sensor distance can be freely • Short time required to complete all
set. measurements
• Less expensive than a stationary sensor
setup
Demerits • Long time required to complete all • More expensive than a moving sensor setup
measurements • Restricted by sample shape and size

Light Distribution
The other approach is to measure distribution at different
distances from the sample using a measuring device
consisting of a CCD sensor and an optical system with an
extremely wide-angle lens similar to a fisheye lens.

Light Distribution Measurement Device

Konica-Minolta created a customized light distribution
measurement device with a moving sensor to meet
customers’ needs. In addition, three types of sensors can
be used: spectroradiometric sensor, colorimetric sensor and
illuminance sensor.

Source: Textbook for Lighting Fundamentals Class, Illumi-

nating Engineering Institute of Japan

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Total luminous flux

Luminous flux is a value for evaluating the radiant flux based on the spectral luminous efficiency function of the human eye
and the maximum luminous efficacy. Total flux is the luminous flux radiated in all directions from a light source and it is used
as a measure of brightness for lighting fixtures. Its units are Lumens (lm).
The terms “luminosity” and “brightness” are often heard to express a quantity of light. Both of these terms include the
meaning of directionality. Total flux does not have any connotation of directionality.

ΦV= Km・∫Φe(λ) V (λ) dλ

ΦV: Luminous flux
Km: Maximum luminous efficacy
φe(λ): Radiant flux
V(λ): Spectral luminous efficiency
＜Examples＞

Total Luminous flux

Sunlight: Approx. 3.6×1028 lm
37W fluorescent lamp (White): Approx. 3,100 lm
95W white incandescent bulb: Approx. 1,520 lm

Total flux is used in calculations when designing lighting fixtures. “Luminous efficacy of a lamp,” obtained by dividing the
luminous flux by the electrical power (power consumption), has also been used from an ecological perspective recently.

How to Measure Total Flux

There are two ways to measure total flux: by using an integrating sphere or by light distribution measurement. The integrating
sphere method places a sample light source in an integrating sphere (a sphere that is hollow with the inner wall painted
a highly diffusive white color) and receiving the light with a sensor. In this case, the sensor must be calibrated against a
reference light source.

With the light distribution measurement method, the sensor is moved concentrically around the sample at a set distance, and
the lighting distribution is measured.

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Approach Integrating Sphere Light distribution measurement

Illustration






Merits • Measurements can be done in a short amount • Light distribution properties can also be
of time. understood
• Simple structure
Demerits • Sensor must be calibrated against a reference • Long time required to complete all
light source. measurements

Total Luminous flux

• Self-absorption caused by differences in • Not suited for samples that radiate light in all
shape from the reference light source must be directions
compensated for in measurements.

Total Flux Measurement Device

Konica-Minolta Sensing offers customized integrating sphere and light distribution measurement systems to meet customer
needs. (Contact Konica-Minolta Sensing for more information.)

For the integrating sphere method, sphere sizes from 6 to 40 inches in diameter are available.

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Mura

With the larger projection

TVs and projectors of
recent years, uneven
luminance and chromaticity
in displayed images readily
stand out. “Mura” is a term 2. JEITA
used to describe the nonuniformity perceived when a person EIAJ ED-2810 “Measuring Methods for Organic EL Display
looks at a display. Modules” released in 2000 by the Japan Electronics and

Luminance cross-section ( Luminance distribution of display Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)

seen in a single dimension )Perceived uneven points, in the contains methods for measuring luminance uniformity and

above diagram. white chromaticity uniformity. However, they are based on

measured luminance and chromaticity values of an H3 x
Uneven luminance and chromaticity are each believed V3 (9 points) display area; therefore the methods are not

Mura
to be caused by multiple factors such as contrast, area, effective for measuring mura outside of these 9 points.
etc. Add to this the very big factor of human vision and it
becomes very difficult to define it clearly.
Current Measurement Methods
Currently there are no standardized rules for measuring
Mura Standards mura, but to obtain some sort of objective evaluation, it is
1. SEMU better to perform 2-dimensional measurements of luminance
Despite the difficulty of defining mura, the “SEMU” definition and chromaticity using CCD sensors. A 2-dimensional
was standardized in 2002. Short for “SEMI Mura Unit,” it was colorimeter for this purpose requires the following functions
standardized as a unit of measurement by SEMI*. It applies and performance.
not only to LCDs but also to FPDs. Measurement requires Sensor with sensitivity near to that of the human
a 2-dimensional colorimeter that not only requires sample eye
luminance to be measured but also the size of the mura Ordinary color CCDs have different sensitivities than the
area. human eye does, making it difficult to measure luminance
*Acronym for Semiconductor Equipment and Materials and chromaticity correctly.
International, a nonprofit industrial organization to which
world-prominent manufacturers of semiconductors, flat panel High-resolution CCD

displays and associated materials belong. With a resolution of 200×200, for example, the luminance
variations of small areas cannot be captured. 13
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Low sensitivity error per CCD pixel

If mura occurs in the sensitivity of individual CCD pixels, the luminance distribution and chromaticity distribution cannot be
accurately measured.

Measurement Device
Konica-Minolta developed the 2D Color Analyzer CA-2000A with a resolution of 980 x 980, with sensor sensitivity near to
that of the human eye and minimal sensitivity error per CCD pixel. The drive software incorporates a function for accentuating
mura. This function obtains the average mura of an area of a set
size around each measurement point and uses it to smooth the
data. It displays the ratio of each measurement point data and
averaged data as 2-dimensional results. Therefore, when sample
luminance is uniform, it accentuates anywhere within the display
where luminance is low or high.

Mura
A: Luminance cross-section
B: Moving average of A
C: A / B

Example Measurement Results

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