The Importance of Goniophotometry in Lighting
Goniophotometric testing allows engineers to:
- Optimize beam control
- Reduce glare
- Improve uniformity in lighting layouts
- Comply with energy and safety regulations
- Generate photometric files for lighting design software
Without goniophotometric testing, manufacturers risk developing products that underperform or fail to meet certification criteria, ultimately affecting user experience and marketability.
Goniophotometer Working Principle
The core principle behind a goniophotometer is simple but precise: it measures light intensity as a function of angle by rotating either the light source, the detector, or both, around fixed axes.
The test setup includes:
- A light source or luminaire mounted on a fixed or rotating platform
- A detector (photometer head) that measures light intensity
- A goniometric system that rotates the detector or source
The equipment records luminous intensity at various vertical and horizontal angles (typically from 0° to 360°), generating polar plots and 3D diagrams that show how light is distributed in space.
Depending on the goniophotometer type, the system may rotate:
- The photometer arm
- The light source
- Both components in sync
Advanced systems integrate spectroradiometers and power meters to collect additional data like color temperature, CRI, and electrical performance.
LISUN Goniophotometers: Engineering Precision with Global Compliance
LISUN offers a comprehensive range of goniophotometers under the LSG series, trusted by labs and manufacturers across 150+ countries. These systems are engineered for high accuracy, seamless integration, and full compliance with global photometric testing standards.
Featured Model: LISUN LSG-1890B/LSG-3000C
- Type: Type C
- Rotation Accuracy: ±0.1°
- Photometer Head: Class L (highest accuracy level)
- Power Supply: Programmable AC/DC source for testing different voltage inputs
- Additional Modules: Optional integration with LISUN’s LPCE integrating sphere for total flux and color measurements
These goniophotometers can generate detailed reports including:
- Luminous intensity distributions
- Polar diagrams
- Cone diagrams
- Photometric files (IES/LDT formats)
- 3D luminous flux visuals
Software and Automation
LISUN’s photometric software allows users to control every aspect of the test, including:
- Device positioning
- Speed and step size of rotation
- Environmental condition monitoring
- Live polar chart rendering
- Data logging and export
- Automatic report generation
The system supports batch testing, automated sequences, and custom scripts, making it ideal for mass production environments and third-party test labs.
Applications Across Industries
LED Lighting
From indoor bulbs to streetlights, accurate photometric data ensures energy efficiency and optimal beam spread.
Automotive Lighting
Headlights, taillights, fog lamps, and turn indicators require precise angle-to-intensity validation for road safety compliance.
Display Backlighting
Goniophotometry helps optimize luminance and color uniformity across LED panels and LCD backlights.
Architectural and Stage Lighting
Beam angles, hot spot avoidance, and optical control require detailed distribution mapping.
Certification Labs
Accredited labs use goniophotometers to validate commercial lighting products for CE, ENEC, CCC, and Energy Star certifications.
Why Choose LISUN Goniophotometers?
1. Integrated Testing
Pair with LISUN’s spectroradiometers, integrating spheres, and power analyzers for complete photometric and electrical testing in one session.
2. Global Support
With technical support in over 50 countries and multilingual training resources, LISUN ensures labs can get up and running quickly.
3. Cost Efficiency
Compared to premium brands, LISUN offers 90–95% of the same functionality at a significantly lower investment—ideal for emerging labs and mid-sized manufacturers.
Comparison: LISUN vs Premium Brands
| Feature | LISUN Type C Goniophotometer | High-End Brands (e.g., Viso, LMT) |
|---|---|---|
| LM-79 Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Type | Type C | A, B, or C |
| Accuracy Class | Class L | Class L or A |
| Rotation Range | Full 360° | Full 360° |
| Software | Included, intuitive | Included, complex |
| Integration | With spectroradiometers, power meters | Same |
| Price | Mid-range | Premium |
| Global Training | Yes | Limited outside EU/US |
LISUN proves particularly valuable for institutions aiming for affordability without compromising measurement fidelity or international compatibility.
Calibration and Maintenance
Every LISUN system includes:
- Factory calibration certificate
- Detailed user manuals
- Annual recalibration service availability
- Remote diagnostics and software updates
LISUN also supports custom environmental enclosures, darkroom setup consultation, and lab design services for clients building new photometric facilities.
How to Select the Right Goniophotometer
When choosing a goniophotometer, consider:
- Type of lighting products being tested
- Required measurement standards (e.g., LM-79)
- Size and shape of luminaires
- Required accuracy and resolution
- Budget and lab infrastructure
LISUN’s team provides one-on-one consultations to help identify the ideal model, testing workflow, and integration accessories for any lab size or industry focus.
Conclusion
The foundation of photometric testing in the lighting sector is goniophotometers. They offer the comprehensive geographic data required for lighting product design, validation, and certification for global markets. Goniophotometers are useful tools for testing LED bulbs, streetlights, automobile lamps, and architectural lighting fixtures to make sure your products fulfill legal and performance standards.
The goniophotometers from LISUN are the go-to option for labs, manufacturers, and certification organizations in more than 150 countries because they combine engineering brilliance, user-friendly operation, and price.
LISUN provides the instruments you need to measure the light—really, effectively, and internationally—from basic testing to high-precision research and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What kind of goniophotometer is available from LISUN?
The Type C goniophotometers that LISUN mainly sells are perfect for solid-state lighting products for LM-79 testing.
Q2: What other devices are compatible with LISUN goniophotometers?
Full-spectrum testing can be accomplished by combining spectroradiometers, integrating spheres, programmable AC/DC power supplies, and thermal chambers.
A goniophotometer is an advanced optical device that measures a light source’s distribution of luminous intensity at various angles. It serves as the foundation for lighting measuring labs all around the world. LISUN, one of the leading suppliers of this technology worldwide, is renowned for producing goniophotometers that are accurate, robust, and comply with standards. The various goniophotometer kinds, their operation, and the reasons LISUN is a reputable brand in photometric testing equipment are all covered in this article.