Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) endure a very long time and use very little energy. However, they do produce extremely bright and intense hot patches of concentrated light. When used to illuminate bigger areas, the intense concentrated light from LED hot spots can be painful to the eyes. Lighting companies use numerous LED point sources to make efficient LED luminaires. Therefore, in order to provide a uniform distribution of light, LED light diffusers are required. These light-diffusing technologies are employed to produce a subtle illumination or to lessen the impact of glare.
What are LED light diffusers?
Through the process of light diffusion, the regions of the light box with the lowest levels of illumination are illuminated by the light that is most intensely concentrated around the bulb’s borders. Light is distributed evenly using this strategy. A diffuser is utilized for this purpose. Diffusers have many uses, from projection screens to industrial lights, and many more.
To prevent reflecting hotspots, they evenly distribute LED strip light. Acrylic, methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), and silicone rubber are common materials for LED light diffusers. Glass and transparent plastics (particularly acrylic resins) are classic optics design materials. Lens and cover manufacturers have developed plastic solutions for LEDs. LED diffusers are offered in a selection of textures, colours and shapes to achieve different effects.
Characteristics of LED light diffusers
Texture
This is used on transparent diffusers to break up and diffuse the light. We look at three types of textures used:
- Honeycomb diffusers feature a honeycomb-textured surface like microprism diffusers but a different look when off.
- Frosted diffusers feature a thin texture that looks like a cross between transparent and opal.
- Microprism diffusers scatter LED light with microscopic pyramids on the diffuser strip. These additionally broaden the luminaire’s beam angle.
Colour
- Colour affects the look of the lighting fixture when it is off. Some diffuser covers include:
- Translucent white optal diffusers spread LED spots and produce good light output.
- Transparent or clear LED light diffusers have the highest light output; however, they don’t distribute LED chip light without texture.
- Black diffusers are a recent invention that are black when the LED light source is off but illuminate well when on.
Shape
The shape of the diffuser used adjust the light output of the LED fixture, such as:
- Lens asymmetry LED diffusers are clear moulded optical profiles that direct light one way. Wall washing and architectural lighting are possible with offset lens diffusers.
- Clear, moulded LED lens diffusers are typical. For LED wall washing, these optical diffusers create a particular beam angle from the fixture.
- Flat diffusers are the most common and soften LED light dots, although microprism and honeycomb pattern diffusers also disperse light.
Types of light diffusers
Placing a pane of frosted glass directly in front of an illuminated source is the conventional way of light diffusion. However, a significant portion of the light output from LEDs is blocked by glass due to its extremely high absorption-coefficient. On top of that, glass adds a lot of weight to the product overall. In addition to lacking the necessary toughness, it is also easily broken.
Manufacturers are now utilizing innovative techniques to create affordable diffusers made completely of plastic. These days, the most popular diffuser options on the market are:
- Transparent diffusers
- Diffusers for panel light tube covers
- Opaque diffusers
- PMMA optical diffusers
- Anti-glare diffusers
- Three-sided diffusers
- Satin diffusers
