Introduction to Integrating Spheres and Their Role in Photometric Testing

Integrating spheres are critical optical devices used to measure the total luminous flux, spectral power distribution, and colorimetric properties of light sources with high accuracy. These instruments operate on the principle of uniform spatial integration, ensuring that light entering the sphere undergoes multiple diffuse reflections, producing a homogeneous radiant distribution at the detector.

The LISUN LPCE-2 and LPCE-3 integrating sphere systems are engineered for precision photometric and colorimetric testing across multiple industries, including LED manufacturing, automotive lighting, aerospace, and medical lighting. This guide provides a technical breakdown of integrating sphere pricing factors, performance specifications, and industry-specific applications, with a focus on the LPCE-3 system.

Key Specifications of the LISUN LPCE-3 Integrating Sphere System

The LPCE-3 is a high-precision spectroradiometer system designed for comprehensive light source analysis. Its core specifications include:

The LPCE-3’s modular design allows integration with additional spectrometers for UV and IR measurements, making it suitable for research laboratories and industrial quality control.

Testing Principles: How Integrating Spheres Ensure Measurement Accuracy

Integrating spheres rely on three fundamental principles for reliable photometric data:

1. Spatial Uniformity – The inner coating (typically barium sulfate or PTFE) ensures diffuse reflection, minimizing directional bias.
2. Cosine Correction – The entrance port geometry adheres to Lambert’s cosine law, ensuring angular response accuracy.
3. Self-Absorption Compensation – Advanced software algorithms correct for light source absorption within the sphere.

The LPCE-3 employs a dual-beam spectroradiometer to compensate for fluctuations in ambient conditions, enhancing repeatability in dynamic testing environments.

Industry-Specific Applications of the LPCE-3 Integrating Sphere

1. LED & OLED Manufacturing

In LED production, the LPCE-3 measures luminous efficacy (lm/W), chromaticity coordinates (CIE 1931/1976), and spectral power distribution (SPD). Compliance with ANSI C78.377 and IES LM-80 ensures consistency in binning and lifetime testing.

2. Automotive Lighting Testing

Automotive headlamps and signal lights must meet SAE J575 and ECE R48 regulations. The LPCE-3 evaluates glare, color temperature, and luminous intensity distribution for Type Approval certification.

3. Aerospace and Aviation Lighting

Aircraft navigation and cabin lighting require adherence to FAA TSO-C96 and RTCA DO-160. The LPCE-3’s extended spectral range (UV to IR) validates durability under extreme thermal and vibrational conditions.

4. Display Equipment Testing

For LCD, OLED, and microLED displays, the LPCE-3 assesses uniformity, flicker, and color gamut coverage (DCI-P3, Rec. 2020).

5. Photovoltaic Industry

Solar simulators and PV module testing rely on spectral mismatch correction, achievable with the LPCE-3’s calibrated spectroradiometer.

6. Medical Lighting Equipment

Surgical and diagnostic lighting must comply with IEC 60601-2-41. The LPCE-3 verifies CRI (Ra > 90) and absence of harmful UV/IR emissions.

Competitive Advantages of the LPCE-3 System

1. Multi-Standard Compliance – Validates against CIE, IES, ISO, and DIN standards without additional hardware.
2. Automated Calibration – Reduces operator dependency with built-in reference lamp validation.
3. High Dynamic Range (HDR) Detection – Measures ultra-dim (0.1 lux) to high-intensity (200,000 lux) sources without saturation.
4. Thermal Stability – Active temperature control minimizes drift in prolonged testing sessions.

Integrating Sphere Pricing Factors

The cost of an integrating sphere system is influenced by:

• Sphere Size – Larger diameters (e.g., 2m vs. 0.5m) accommodate bulkier light sources but increase material costs.
• Coating Material – PTFE offers >98% reflectivity but is more expensive than barium sulfate.
• Detector Type – CCD spectroradiometers (LPCE-3) provide higher resolution than photodiode arrays.
• Software Capabilities – Advanced analysis modules (flicker, stroboscopic effect) add value.

A comparative cost table for common configurations:

FAQ Section

Q1: How often should an integrating sphere be recalibrated?
A: Annual recalibration is recommended, though high-usage environments may require quarterly checks. The LPCE-3’s self-validation feature extends intervals.

Q2: Can the LPCE-3 measure pulsed or flickering light sources?
A: Yes, its high-speed spectrometer supports PWM and transient light analysis up to 10kHz.

Q3: What is the typical lead time for LPCE-3 delivery?
A: Standard configurations ship in 4–6 weeks; custom orders may require 8–12 weeks.

Q4: Does the LPCE-3 support darkroom testing?
A: Yes, it includes a shielded detector port for ambient light exclusion.

Q5: Is the LPCE-3 compatible with third-party spectrometers?
A: Limited compatibility exists via LabVIEW or Python APIs; consult LISUN for supported models.

This guide serves as a technical reference for professionals evaluating integrating sphere systems. The LPCE-3’s precision and versatility make it a benchmark solution for photometric and radiometric testing across diverse industries.