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Competence Library - Optics and Reflectors

Expert Knowledge for Efficient Light Control

Discover answers to common questions about lighting optics, reflectors and beam shaping. Learn how optical systems affect light distribution, glare, efficiency and application performance. The Competence Library provides practical guidance for selecting lenses, reflectors and beam angles for architectural, commercial and technical lighting projects.

Are optics compatible with DALI or Casambi?
For optics and lighting controls, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. The optic does not communicate, but it affects perception of dimming, scenes and colour mixing. Important factors incl
Can an optic cause flicker?
If problems occur with flicker, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. A passive optic normally does not cause flicker; driver, dimming and supply are more likely. Typical symp
How accurately must an LED sit under the optic?
When installing LEDs under precise optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. The research content highlights tight LED assembly tolerances and good solder pad design as especially im
How are LEDiL optics checked during development?
For LEDiL optics, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. LEDiL is associated with TIR, retail, linear, bright-light and dark-light optics as well as installation guidance. Importan
How are linear lighting systems planned optically?
In project practice, linear lighting systems determines how light affects the space, object and user. Lens arrays, extruded optics, diffusers and microprisms must match the LED pitch. Retail, hospitality, offic
How are linear optics mounted correctly?
When installing linear optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Starting position, LED pitch, profile guidance and thermal expansion must be correct across the full length. The LED must be centr
How are optics applied in office projects?
In project practice, office lighting determines how light affects the space, object and user. Bright-light, dark-light, microprisms, louvres and low-glare lenses support task light and UGR targets. Retail, h
How can fingerprints and scratches be avoided?
When installing clear lenses and reflectors, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Gloves, clean packaging and suitable cleaning protect optical surfaces and coatings. The LED must
How can incorrectly mounted optics be recognised?
When installing incorrectly mounted optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Tilted beams, rings, colour errors, uneven lines and glare are typical indicators. The LED must be centred, the
How can you tell whether an optic matches an LED?
For LED-optic compatibility, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. LED type, LES, emission pattern, optical axis and mechanical seating are decisive. Important factors include LED p
How do lens, reflector, collimator and diffuser differ?
lens, reflector, collimator and diffuser is a core term in professional LED optics. A lens refracts or internally reflects, a reflector redirects at the surf
How do narrow beam, medium beam and wide beam differ?
narrow beam, medium beam and wide beam is a core term in professional LED optics. They describe tight, medium and broad distributions for accent, mixed tasks or general lig
How do optic and heat sink fit together?
For optic and heat sink, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Temperature, sealing surface, material limits and mechanical structure influence long-term performance and IP concept. Important
How do optic, holder and COB connector fit together?
For COB connector and holder systems, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Connector, holder height and optic distance determine whether reflector or lens is seated corr
How do you align asymmetric optics?
When installing asymmetric optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Markings, rotation and reference to wall, facade or road must be correct. The LED must be centred, the optic must not tilt, surfaces must remain c
How do you balance efficiency and visual comfort?
When selecting the balance between efficiency and visual comfort, the lighting task comes first. Efficient focusing, diffusion, cut-off and uniformity must be balanced. The next checks include LED type, LES size, m
How do you choose between spot, medium and wide optics?
When selecting spot, medium or wide optics, the lighting task comes first. Spot supports accent and distance, medium supports mixed tasks, and wide supports broader general lighting. The next checks include LED type, LES s
How do you choose the right optic for an LED module?
When selecting the right optic for an LED module, the lighting task comes first. Relevant factors are LED type, LES, beam, height, material, efficiency and intended application. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mou
How do you combine general and accent lighting?
In project practice, projects combining general and accent light determines how light affects the space, object and user. Wide or diffused general-light optics are combined with
How do you decide between lens and reflector in a project?
In project practice, the lens-versus-reflector decision determines how light affects the space, object and user. Lenses provide precision, while reflectors often provide softer edge
How do you evaluate optic datasheet values?
When selecting optic datasheet values, the lighting task comes first. They apply to defined conditions and must be compared with the final LED and luminaire assembly. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, a
How do you select an optic for accent lighting?
When selecting an optic for accent lighting, the lighting task comes first. Object size, distance, contrast, cut-off, spill light and viewing direction matter. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height,
How do you select an optic for general lighting?
When selecting an optic for general lighting, the lighting task comes first. Uniformity, visual comfort, luminous flux, luminance and UGR target come first. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, availab
How do you select optics for outdoor luminaires?
When selecting outdoor optics, the lighting task comes first. IP protection, gasket, UV, temperature changes, contamination and robust beam control are central. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, mater
How does a protective cover influence optics?
For protective covers in front of optics, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Additional interfaces can change reflection, scattering, light loss, glare and beam shape. Important factor
How does CIE define beam angle?
For beam angle, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Beam angle is described as the full angle at 50 percent of peak or centre intensity. CIE terminology supports beam angle and peak intensity, I
How does mounting height influence optic selection?
When selecting an optic for a given mounting height, the lighting task comes first. High mounting heights often need narrower beams, while low heights tend to need wide or diffused solutions. The next checks include LED t
How does solder paste influence the beam?
When installing LEDs on the PCB, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Too much or uneven solder paste can tilt the LED and shift the beam. The LED must be centred, the optic must not tilt, surfaces must remain clean and a
How important is optic material?
When selecting optic material, the lighting task comes first. Material affects transmission, reflection, temperature resistance, UV behaviour, scratches and ageing. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height,
How is glare considered during selection?
When selecting a low-glare optic, the lighting task comes first. Cut-off, visible luminance, recess depth, viewing angle and room geometry are decisive. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, material
How is the beam checked after assembly?
When installing mounted optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Centring, symmetry, hotspots, colour fringes, spill light, glare and beam edge are checked. The LED must be centred, the optic must
How is UGR related to optics?
For UGR and glare, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. UGR depends on optic, luminance, room, luminaire layout and viewing direction. CIE terminology supports beam angle and peak intensity, IEC 60598-1 concerns safe luminaire
How should optics be serviced or replaced?
In project practice, service and replacement determines how light affects the space, object and user. Replacement optics must be compatible and checked after exchange for seating, sealing and
How should optics be stored before mounting?
When installing optics before mounting, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Dust, pressure, humidity, heat and UV exposure should be avoided. The LED must be centred, the optic must not tilt, surfaces must remain clean a
What are bright-light and dark-light optics?
bright-light and dark-light optics is a core term in professional LED optics. Bright-light shows a visible luminous surface, while dark-light hides the source more strongly
What are optics and reflectors in LED lighting?
optics and reflectors is a core term in professional LED optics. They transform raw LED flux into spot, flood, wallwash or general lighting. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but toget
What do Zhaga Book 15 and Book 19 provide?
For Zhaga Book 15 and Book 19, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. They structure rectangular modules, lens plates, keep-out volumes and IP protection concepts. CIE terminology supports beam
What does a diffuser do in a luminaire?
a diffuser is a core term in professional LED optics. It scatters light, reduces visible LED points and improves uniformity, usually at some efficiency cost. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but tog
What does beam angle mean for an LED optic?
beam angle is a core term in professional LED optics. It describes the full angle where intensity has dropped to 50 percent of the peak value. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but to
What does compatibility mean for linear lens arrays?
For linear lens arrays, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. LED pitch, lens pitch, profile guidance, module width and thermal expansion must match. Important factors include
What does IEC 60598-1 mean for optics?
For IEC 60598-1 for optics, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. It concerns the luminaire as a system, including temperature, plastics, corrosion and good design. CIE terminology support
What does luminous intensity distribution mean?
luminous intensity distribution is a core term in professional LED optics. It shows how much light an optic emits in each direction and forms the basis for planning. The optical component should never be evaluated in iso
What does optical efficiency mean?
optical efficiency is a core term in professional LED optics. It describes how much LED light remains useful after lens, reflector, diffuser or cover. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but together with LED, PCB
What does wallwashing mean in optics?
wallwashing is a core term in professional LED optics. It means uniform illumination of vertical surfaces using suitable asymmetric distributions. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but together
What is a TIR lens?
a TIR lens is a core term in professional LED optics. It uses total internal reflection and is especially relevant for efficient, precise spot optics. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolation, but together with LED, PCB, holder, heat sink, housin
What is an asymmetric light distribution?
an asymmetric distribution is a core term in professional LED optics. It directs light preferentially to one side, for wallwashing, facades, shelves or outdoor areas. The optical component should never b
What is the difference between lumens, lux and candela?
lumens, lux and candela is a core term in professional LED optics. Lumens describe flux, candela describes directional intensity, and lux describes illuminance on a surface. The optical c
What is the difference between primary and secondary optics?
primary and secondary optics is a core term in professional LED optics. Primary optics belong to the LED, while secondary optics are the added lens, reflector or dif
What is the relevance of Zhaga interfaces?
For Zhaga interfaces, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Book 10, Book 15 and Book 19 structure module, lens-plate and IP interfaces. Important factors include LED position, LES, LED height, PCB layout, hol
What matters for RGBW and tunable-white optics?
For RGBW and tunable-white optics, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Colour mixing, LED pitch, diffusion and mixing distance determine colour fringes and uniformity. Importan
What role do LDT, IES and goniophotometers play?
For photometric measurement data, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. They describe measured distribution and should represent the final luminaire assembly. CIE terminolo
What role do optics play in OEM luminaire development?
In project practice, OEM luminaire development determines how light affects the space, object and user. Optics shape differentiation, light quality, production tolerances, material selection
What role does the gasket play in IP lens plates?
When installing IP lens plates, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. The gasket must sit cleanly and be compressed correctly without deforming the optic. The LED must be centred, the optic mu
What role does the luminaire housing play?
For the luminaire housing, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Recess depth, housing edge, cut-off, protection rating and cover change the optical effect. Important factors include LED position, LES, LED heigh
What role does the PCB play for optics?
For PCB layout, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Solder pad design, LED position and LED pitch directly influence centring and beam pattern. Important factors include LED position, LES, LED height, PCB layout, holder,
What should be considered when gluing optics?
When installing glued optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Adhesive must not outgas, contaminate optical surfaces, create stress or enter the optical path. The LED must be cent
What should purchasing consider when sourcing LED optics?
In project practice, purchasing and component approval determines how light affects the space, object and user. Price, availability and angle are not enough; datashe
When do you use a reflector instead of a lens?
a reflector is a core term in professional LED optics. It is useful when softer beam edges, visual comfort or broad distributions are desired. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolatio
When does a custom optic make sense?
In project practice, custom optics determines how light affects the space, object and user. Custom solutions make sense when standard optics cannot achieve height, beam, glare or colour mixing targ
When is a diffused optic better?
When selecting a diffused optic, the lighting task comes first. It helps with visible LED points, colour mixing, multiple shadows and softer spatial impression. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, material, efficiency, glare c
When is an IP lens plate compatible?
For IP lens plates, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. Sealing surface, compression, heat sink, screw points, housing and material must match. Important factors include LED position, LES, LED height, PCB layout
When is another optic better than more power?
When selecting another optic instead of more power, the lighting task comes first. When light is wrongly distributed, changing beam, glare control or diffusion often helps more than more watts. The next checks includ
When is photobiological safety relevant?
For photobiological safety, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Focusing optics can influence radiance and risk evaluation, especially for narrow
When is sampling necessary?
When selecting optic sampling, the lighting task comes first. It is important for critical beam quality, glare, colour uniformity, integration and series approval. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, material, efficiency
Which checks are useful before series approval?
When installing optics before series approval, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Mechanical fit, beam pattern, temperature, sealing, material condition and measurement
Which interfaces matter more than protocols for optics?
For optical interfaces, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. LED position, LES, holder, lens distance, housing aperture and protective cover are central. Important factors
Which mounting errors are common?
When installing LED optics, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Typical errors include wrong alignment, tilted lens, wrong distance, missing gasket or contaminated surface. The LED must be centred, the
Which optic fits COB LEDs?
When selecting COB optics, the lighting task comes first. COBs need optics matching LES size, connector, holder and thermal assembly. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, material, efficiency, glare control and mechanical integration. Datashee
Which optic fits hospitality projects?
In project practice, hospitality and hotel lighting determines how light affects the space, object and user. Soft transitions, visual comfort, moderate spots and glare-controlled downlights create qual
Which optic fits SMD LEDs?
When selecting SMD optics, the lighting task comes first. SMD arrays require matching LED pitch, lens pitch, mixing distance and homogenisation. The next checks include LED type, LES size, mounting height, distance, available height, material, efficiency, glare control and mechanical integration. Da
Which optic is suitable for museum lighting?
In project practice, museum lighting determines how light affects the space, object and user. Precise, controlled optics minimise hotspots, spill light and uneven falloff on exhibits. Retail, hospital
Which optic is used for grazing?
In project practice, grazing on textured surfaces determines how light affects the space, object and user. Shallow, directional light emphasises textures and requires precise alignment along the surface. Retail, hos
Which optics are relevant for outdoor and roadway lighting?
In project practice, outdoor and roadway lighting determines how light affects the space, object and user. Asymmetric, robust and IP-integrated lens plates direct light o
Which optics suit architectural accents?
In project practice, architectural accents determines how light affects the space, object and user. Precise lenses, reflectors and asymmetric optics highlight forms, materials and spatial zones. Retail, hos
Which optics suit high-contrast retail?
In project practice, high-contrast retail determines how light affects the space, object and user. Targeted accents, narrow beams, TIR lenses and dark-light concepts guide attention to merchandise. Retail, h
Which optics suit low-contrast retail?
In project practice, low-contrast retail determines how light affects the space, object and user. The goal is uniform, soft sales lighting with pleasant orientation and fewer harsh contrasts. Retail, hosp
Which requirements apply to outdoor reflectors?
For outdoor reflectors, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Corrosion, dirt, scratches, coating, IP protection and cleaning affect performance. CIE terminol
Which safety aspects apply to plastic optics?
For plastic optics, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Temperature, material ageing, fire behaviour, fixation and mechanical stability are relevant. CIE terminology support
Which standards are relevant for optics?
For optics and reflectors, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Relevant frameworks include CIE, IEC 60598-1, IEC 62471, EN 13032, LM-79-type measurements and Zhaga. CIE terminology supports beam a
Why are LDT and IES files important?
LDT and IES files is a core term in professional LED optics. They provide photometric data for simulation, lux calculations, UGR assessment and luminaire comparison. The optical component should never be evaluated in isolatio
Why are mechanical drawings important?
For mechanical drawings, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. They show optical axis, dimensions, snap features, screw points, mounting height and keep-out zones. Important factors include LED position,
Why are rings or artefacts visible?
If problems occur with rings or artefacts, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Lens geometry, scratches, contamination, protective cover or LED structure can become vi
Why do colour fringes occur?
If problems occur with colour fringes, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. RGBW, tunable white, multi-LED arrays or clear narrow optics can make colour mixing harder. Typical symptoms include tilted b
Why do hotspots occur?
If problems occur with hotspots, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Overly narrow optics, wrong LED distance, unsuitable LES or missing diffusion are typical causes. Typical symptoms include tilted bea
Why do multiple shadows occur?
If problems occur with multiple shadows, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Several LED points, insufficient diffusion or short mixing distance can create separate shadows. Typica
Why do several luminaires look different?
If problems occur with different luminaire appearances, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Production tolerances, LED position, optic s
Why do simulation and real beam pattern not match?
If problems occur with simulation mismatch, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Wrong LDT/IES files, simplified models, cover
Why does a lens yellow or deform?
If problems occur with yellowed or deformed lenses, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Temperature, UV, material choice, chemicals and ageing can change
Why does a luminaire glare despite a suitable optic?
If problems occur with glare despite a suitable optic, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Causes often lie in luminance, cut-off, housing,
Why does a reflector lose performance?
If problems occur with declining reflector performance, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Dirt, scratches, oxidation, corrosion or damaged coating reduce refl
Why does an optic no longer fit after changing the LED?
If problems occur with optic problems after LED replacement, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Different LES, LED height, emission or
Why does the beam angle look different from the datasheet?
If problems occur with a deviating beam angle, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Causes include different LED, LES size,
Why is a wallwash surface patchy?
If problems occur with patchy wallwashing, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Wall distance, luminaire spacing, optic direction, surface and asymmetric distribution
Why is an electrical function test not enough?
When installing optical assemblies, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Everything can work electrically while beam, alignment, cut-off or uniformity are wrong. The LED must be c
Why is LES size important for COB optics?
For COB optics, compatibility mainly means optical and mechanical fit. LES size changes beam angle, peak candela, uniformity and the effect of the same optic. Important factors include LED position, LES, LED height, PCB layout, h
Why is the beam tilted?
If problems occur with a tilted beam, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. LED offset, tilted LED, skewed optic or wrong rotation are common causes. Typical symptoms include tilted
Why is the luminaire dimmer than expected?
If problems occur with lower brightness than expected, optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical causes should be separated systematically. Optical losses can come from lens, reflector, diffuser, c
Why must an optic be thermally checked?
When installing optics close to high-power LEDs, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Temperature can change material, shape, coating and transmission over lifetime. The LED must be cent
Why must standards and datasheets be read together?
For standards and datasheets, standards, measurement data and product guidance must be considered together. Standards define the framework, while datasheets describe the actual optic and its mounting conditi
Why should optics be secured under vibration?
When installing optics in vibrating applications, clean and reproducible assembly is essential. Under vibration, screws, adhesive or tapes may be needed to keep the optic from moving.

Selecting the Right Optics for Luminaires