Course detail
Lighting Technology
FEKT-MPA-SVTAcad. year: 2025/2026
The course deals with the basics of lighting technology. Photometric and radiant variables and their interrelationships are explained, the spectrum of optical radiation properties of eye system and vision, color measurement and color rendering index. Next the principles of light generation, the main types of light sources are explained. Principles are explained in detail and construction of incandescent light sources, linear and compact fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, mercury vapor lamp, metal halide and LED sources. Next the main features of the other light sources, such as induction lamps, xenon lamps and sulfur lamps are explained.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Entry knowledge
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
up to 16 points for the progress tests of knowledge
up to 60 points for the final exam, which is focused on an overview of issues. The exam is form of a test on a computer with an oral supplement in the event of deficiencies.
Laboratory teaching of the course is compulsory, properly excused absences can be arranged with the teacher, usually replace to last week or the following week, unless the teaching is divided into multiple groups.
Aims
Graduate of this course is able to:
- Describe the basic physics of light,
- Explain the principles of light generation,
- Explain the nature of vision and the visual system functions,
- Explain methods for disturbing glare evaluation,
- Explain the differences in trichromatic coordinate systems for the evaluation of color
- List the main electric light sources
- Connect the discharge light source into the circuit electrical network
- Measure the basic photometric equipments
- Explain the operating principles of fluorescent lamps, LEDs,
- Name the properties to the light source.
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
Moon, P.: The scientific basis of illuminating engineering, Dover Publications, Inc., New York (EN)
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme MPA-EEN Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
2. Relations among quantities, basic laws of light propagation
3. Light and vision, human eye, limits of vision, vision defects
4. Contrast, critical detail, eye recognition ability
5. Limits of vision, discomfort glare and its evaluation
6. Colour properties of light, trichromatic systems
7. Normalized light sources, spectrophotometric a spectroradiometri measurements, colour rendering index
8. Spectral and integral material properties , the propagation of light at the interface of two media
9. Light measurement, laboratory measurements of luminous intensity, luminance and lamps efficiency, illuminance measurement
10. Principles of light generation, electric lamp classification, history of lightsources, incandescent light sources
11. Discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps, sodium low and high pressure discharge lamps, high presure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps
12. Induction lamps, discharges with short arc, other lamp types, introduction to the LED technology
13. LED properties, application possibilities, relation to the visual and non-visual effect of the light.
Laboratory exercise
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Measurement of luminous intensity with comparing method
Evaluation of properties of illuminance meter cosine correction
Verifying of inverse square law
Measurement of light spectral properties
Measurement of colour properties of materials
Measurement of luminous intensity curves of small light sources
Measurement of voltage to luminous flux dependences
Measurement of display devices and their colour properties
Measurement of light chromaticity and voltage influences
Measurement of spectral properties of light-guide fibres
Measurement of directional reflection of materials for miniature luminaires
Measurement of luminous flux oscillation