Spectrophotometer with Integrating Sphere: A High Precision Testing System for Energy-Saving Lamps, Fluorescent Lamps, HID Lamps, and LED Lighting

Introduction
In recent years, the demand for high-efficiency lighting systems has increased due to global energy-saving initiatives. This trend has resulted in the widespread use of energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and especially light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. Accurate photometric and colorimetric measurement of these light sources is essential for ensuring their performance meets international standards. One of the most advanced and widely used systems for testing these parameters is the Spectrophotometer with Integrating Sphere, such as the LISUN LPCE-2 High Precision Spectroradiometer Integrating Sphere System. This system offers comprehensive testing capabilities that comply with standards like CIE177, CIE-13.3, CIE-84, ANSI-C78.377, GB/T 24824, IESNA-LM-63-2, Optical-Engineering-49-3-033602, (EU) 2019/2015, LM-80, and LM-79.

This article explores the functionality of this system, its relevance to testing various lighting sources, and how it helps ensure the quality and performance of LED lamps through testing their photometric and colorimetric parameters.

Overview of the Spectrophotometer with Integrating Sphere System
A spectrophotometer with integrating sphere combines a high-precision spectroradiometer and an integrating sphere to measure the total optical properties of light sources. The LISUN LPCE-2 High Precision Spectroradiometer Integrating Sphere System is designed to measure luminous flux, chromaticity coordinates, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), and other photometric and colorimetric properties.

This system includes a spectroradiometer that analyzes the spectral power distribution of light sources and an integrating sphere that captures all emitted light uniformly, ensuring accurate measurements. The combination of these components enables precise testing, making it suitable for various light sources, including energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, HID lamps (such as high-pressure sodium and mercury lamps), cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), and LED lamps.

Key Components
•  Spectroradiometer: Measures the spectral distribution of light, providing detailed information about the source’s radiometric, photometric, and colorimetric properties.
•  Integrating Sphere: Captures light emitted in all directions and integrates it uniformly to measure total luminous flux.
•  Auxiliary Lamp: Compensates for self-absorption of the light source within the integrating sphere.
•  Standard Lamp: Provides reference measurements to calibrate the system.
•  Control and Analysis Software: Automates the testing process and generates detailed reports.

Testing Different Types of Lamps
Energy-Saving Lamps
Energy-saving lamps, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), have been widely used for their energy efficiency. The LISUN LPCE-2 system measures critical parameters such as luminous flux, color temperature, and CRI to ensure these lamps meet international standards like CIE 84 and GB/T 24824.

Fluorescent Lamps
Fluorescent lamps are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings. The LISUN LPCE-2 system tests their performance by evaluating parameters like chromaticity coordinates, luminous efficacy, and spectral power distribution. The results comply with standards such as CIE-13.3, which specifies methods for color rendering evaluation.

HID Lamps (High-Pressure Sodium and Mercury Lamps)
High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) and mercury lamps, are used in outdoor and industrial applications. Testing these lamps requires accurate measurement of their spectral power distribution and color properties. The LISUN LPCE-2 system provides detailed analyses of these parameters, ensuring that they meet the requirements of CIE 177 and ANSI-C78.377.

Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL)
Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) are used in display backlighting and other applications. The LISUN LPCE-2 system measures their luminous flux, color temperature, and CRI, ensuring that they meet performance standards.

LED Lamps
LEDs have revolutionized the lighting industry due to their high efficiency and long lifespan. However, ensuring the quality of LED lamps requires precise testing of their photometric and colorimetric parameters, including:
• Luminous Flux: Total amount of visible light emitted.
• Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Indicates the color appearance of the light source.
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): Measures the accuracy of the light source in rendering colors.
• Luminous Efficacy: Measures the efficiency of converting electrical power into light.

The LISUN LPCE-2 system is particularly useful in testing LED lamps, ensuring they meet standards such as IESNA-LM-63-2, LM-80, and LM-79. This system also ensures that LEDs comply with the strict photometric and colorimetric requirements outlined in (EU) 2019/2015 for energy labeling.

Meeting International Testing Standards
The LISUN LPCE-2 High Precision Spectroradiometer Integrating Sphere System is designed to meet various international standards for photometric and colorimetric testing, including:
• CIE 177: Provides methods for the measurement of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
• CIE-13.3: Specifies methods for evaluating the color rendering of light sources.
• CIE-84: Describes photometric measurements of fluorescent lamps.
• ANSI-C78.377: Provides specifications for chromaticity of solid-state lighting products, including LEDs.
• GB/T 24824: Chinese national standard for LED performance.
• IESNA-LM-63-2: Provides guidelines for the photometric testing of LED luminaires.
• LM-80 and LM-79: Define methods for measuring the lumen maintenance and electrical performance of LED light sources.
• Optical-Engineering-49-3-033602: Discusses advances in photometric and radiometric measurement techniques.
• (EU) 2019/2015: European Union energy labeling regulations for lighting products.

The system not only ensures compliance with these standards but also delivers high-precision results that can be used to evaluate product quality and energy efficiency.
Testing Procedure

The testing procedure using the LISUN LPCE-2 system involves several steps:
•  Calibration: The system is calibrated using a standard lamp to ensure accurate measurements.
•  Lamp Positioning: The test lamp is placed inside the integrating sphere to capture light emitted in all directions.
•  Measurement: The spectroradiometer records the spectral power distribution and other photometric parameters.
•  Analysis: The system’s software analyzes the data and generates reports in compliance with international standards.
• Results Evaluation: The results are compared against the relevant standards to determine if the light source meets performance requirements.

Sample Test Data

Lamp Type	Luminous Flux (lm)	CCT (K)	CRI (%)	Luminous Efficacy (lm/W)	Standard Compliance
LED Lamp	900	3000	85	100	LM-80, LM-79
CFL	600	4000	80	60	CIE-84, GB/T 24824
HPS Lamp	5000	2000	70	130	CIE 177, ANSI-C78.377

Conclusion
The spectrophotometer with integrating sphere is an essential tool for ensuring the quality and performance of modern light sources, including energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, HID lamps, and LEDs. The LISUN LPCE-2 High Precision Spectroradiometer Integrating Sphere System provides highly accurate photometric and colorimetric measurements that meet international standards like CIE177, CIE-13.3, and LM-80. Its role in the testing process helps manufacturers ensure their products meet stringent quality and performance requirements, contributing to the overall efficiency of lighting technologies.

By using this system, manufacturers and testing laboratories can confidently evaluate the performance of lighting products, ensuring compliance with global regulations and meeting the growing demand for energy-efficient, high-performance lighting solutions.

Tags：LPCE-2 (LMS-9000)