Goniophotometers greatly simplify the measurement of light source outputs compared to traditional techniques, and the latest advances in software allow compliance measurements to be made
Pro-Lite Technology, a specialist photonics distributor, has released the SMS-10 universal goniophotometer from Optronik, which will serve the needs of the LED, vehicle lighting and traffic signal industries by providing a photopically-corrected (eye response) measurement of the brightness (candle power), illuminance (in lux) and colour from optical radiation sources with directional light distributions.
Typical applications for the SMS-10 include the spatial light intensity measurement of automobile headlamps, tail-lamps and direction indicator lamps, and the determination of the luminance and reflected intensity from licence plates, road traffic signs, reflector lights and retro-reflecting materials.
The spatial light distribution of LEDs, LED illuminators, LED cluster signs, airport taxiway lighting, bicycle and motorbike lights, aerospace and marine lamps and endoscopic illuminators is also simplified using the SMS-10 goniophotometer.
Goniophotometers are used in both design and development as well as production testing of LEDs, lamps and illuminated signs and in the certification of the final products according to relevant national and international standards and regulations, for example CIE, ECE and SAE.
A goniometer system provides repeatable measures and objective, quantifiable data that can be used downstream by users and integrators of light sources, as well as by compliance agencies.
Goniophotometers greatly simplify the measurement of light source outputs compared to traditional, time consuming, manual techniques and the latest advances in software control allow a full suite of product compliance measurements to be made according to a pre-programmed test algorithm, increasing the throughput of the photometry laboratory.
The SMS-10 family takes in five distinct models suitable for testing miniature light sources up to the largest traffic signal lamps weighing up to 150kg.
The test lamp is mounted onto a sturdy platform that moves under precision motor drive and pre-programmed computer control.
A silicon photosensor with CIE V (lambda) 'eye' response is positioned at a defined distance and views the lamp, recording the variation in illuminance or brightness as the goniometer scans the source vertically and horizontally.
A plot of the source's spatial intensity variation is computer generated by the goniometer software.
The SMS-10 is one of the most modern and flexible goniometer designs on the market, providing fast measurement speeds of up to 5000 measurements a second for fast grid and rapid slice measurements and a higher angular resolution for equivalent speeds compared with previous generation instrumentation.
Advanced photometer technology leads to a greater photometric sensitivity for enhanced spatial resolution. Each gonio platform is equipped with a two or three-axis motorised table to automatically position the test lamp or sign and scan with high precision and repeatability.
Optronik's flexible Opto goniometer software was designed in partnership with leading auto lamp manufacturers; this controls the goniometer and allows sharing of the test data across a network. All accessories required to implement a complete photometric laboratory are available from Optronik which avoids compatibility issues with integrating third-party equipment, such as test lamp power supplies.
