LED Lighting Applications

Lenticular Diffusers

The Microsharp range of lenticular diffusers provides a flexible and cost effective method of diffusing and homogenising LED light sources with significantly reduced transmission losses. High degrees of homogeneity can be achieved with transmission rates of up to 97%.

Significantly improved light transmission rates in the diffuser panel can lead to overall unit efficiency gains in the region of 20% to 50%. This gain translates to lower power usage and shorter payback periods on LED lighting units.

In addition, lenticular diffusers provide highly attractive surface effects which enhance the aesthetic appearance of large area luminaires.

Advantages of LEDs for general lighting applications

LED’s are highly efficient. They deliver high luminance, low energy usage and extended product life which leads to significantly lower lifetime cost.

Working with ultra bright, point light sources

Because LEDs are ultra bright, point light sources, their light output often appears harsh and causes uncomfortable glare. Many lighting applications demand even illumination and low glare. This is often a challenge for LED lighting designers. Strong diffusers can be used provide homogeneity, but this leads to high transmission losses that significantly reduce the efficiency of the unit.

High Efficiency Lenticular Diffusers

: Detail of a lenticular film structure

Lenticular structures used in combination with LED light sources can deliver high degrees of diffusion (Haze typically around 98%) with excellent transmission rates.

In applications with beam angles below 90 degrees, transmission rates in excess of 90% can be expected.

Within beam angles of 120 degrees, transmission will typically be over 85%.

Typical luminance vs. viewing angle

Naked LEDs parquet With Lenticular diffusers

Viewing angle (°)	Transmission (%)	Haze (%)
40	96 - 98	98% - 99%
80	95 - 96	98% - 99%
120	87 - 90	98% - 99%
160	76 - 80	98% - 99%

Increased Lighting Unit Efficiency

With tradition diffusers, transmission can be as low as 50% if a high degree of Haze is required. Using lenticular diffusion could typically increase total unit efficiency by around 40% (see example opposite).

Lighting Unit Efficiency Gain Example

	Traditional Diffuser	Lenticular Diffuser	Efficiency Gain
Actual LED output (Lumens)	1000	588	42%
Transmission rate through diffuser	50%	85%
Unit Output (Lumens)	500	500

Functionality of Lenticular Diffusers

Create diffusion like effects
Create varying levels of light uniformity as required
Reduce direct glare
Remove appearance of individual point lights

Benefits of Lenticular Diffusion

Higher transmission per degree of diffusion
Increased lumens per watt output for a given unit
Higher unit efficiency
Reduced lifetime cost
Simplified unit design process
Reduced manufacturing costs

Uses of Lenticular Diffusers

There are 3 main areas of application for lenticular diffusers...

LED Strip lighting

A single lenticular structure positioned above a LED strip will produce an even light output, merging the point light sources into a strip effect.

This effect is particularly useful in applications where the LED light sources are positioned so they can be seen directly or where 'spotting' is undesirable.

Large Area Luminaires

Applications such as large area ceiling lighting require uniform light output with reduced direct glare but do not require a totally homogeonous surface effect.

In this scenario, lenticular solutions can deliver the optimum balance of uniformity with high transmission.

In the two examples below, two sheets of film are used orientated at 90 degrees .

In addition to providing a high degree of diffusion, a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing effects can be achieved.

Architectural Lighting

Lenticular films can be used in combination with LED light sources to produce a plethora of effects.

By manipulating the type, density and colour of LEDs used and varying the type and orientation of the films, it is possible to produce almost limitless effects.

This offers the opportunity to produce bespoke effects to individual customer requirements using just one specification of lenticular film with simple low cost manufacturing processes.

Examples of Lighting effects.