
	Feature Explorer User Interface Editors Analysis Tools Multi-CPU Sequential Ray Tracing Surface-Based Analysis Non-Sequential Ray Tracing Objects Geometry Creation Source Models Detectors Ray Splitting Ray Scattering Data Analysis Optimizable LightningTrace™ Roadway Lighting Designer Illumination Wizard Light Quality Metrics CAD Manager Radiant Source Models™ ReverseRadiance™ Advanced Path Analysis Zemax Part Designer Gaussian Quadrature Source Illumination Map Colorimetry Physical Optics Optimization Visual Optimizer Tolerancing Optical Materials Glass and Plastics Birefringent Gradient Index Diffractive Optics Multiple Configuration Thermal Analysis Lens Catalogs CAD Import/Export Polarization Thin Film Coatings Zemax Programming ZPL Extensions DLL Interfaces Black Box Optics

Source Illumination Map

The Source Illumination Map is a fast and accurate way to visualize the far-field illumination pattern formed on a distant plane by multiple IES, EULUMDAT and RSMX source data files in true color.

IES and EULUMDAT contain only far-field data, and are a common way of describing the performance of a source or a complete illumination system. Usually, we convert the .IES or .LDT file into a source of rays, and then trace the rays. This is of course essential if the rays are to interact with optical components like mirrors or glass.

However, when we just want to see what the illumination pattern produced by and IES or LDT will look like on a distant plane, we can now using new features in Zemax IE. Use the Source Illumination Map to generate this data directly without tracing rays. This method is extremely fast, and accurate.

The Source Illumination Map can project multiple sources, at arbitrary locations and tilts, onto the same screen. Since IES and LDT files do not contain spectral data, this must be added, as follows:

Spectral Data

Any spectral data can be easily applied. The far field illumination is then computed on the distant plane which can be set to any size and resolution you want.

Radiant Source Model™ (RSMX) is even better, as it can contain the spectral data. If you are using an RSMX that does not have spectral data, it can be added in the same way, of course. Note that the Illumination Map feature will not use the near-field data that is also included in the RSMX, as the Illumination Map assumed the screen is a long distance away from the source relative to the source size.

Zemax Illumination Map

The Source Illumination Map is a fast and accurate way to visualize the far-field illumination pattern formed on a distant plane by multiple IES, EULUMDAT and RSMX source datafiles in true color.