In-Edge Lighting
Edge-lit technology makes use of both light guide technology and distinctive features of LEDs. A light guide panel (LGP) has an array of tiny LEDs along two or four of its borders. Total internal reflection (TIR) allows light output by the LEDs to be connected into the LGP and moved inside the light guide across a predetermined distance. Light that has been collected by the light guide can escape through interruption spots on the light guide. The placement of these light extraction points supports a consistent distribution of the escaping light behind a rear reflector. The light guide bends the beams so they fall on an opal diffuser for Lambertian light distribution. The high intensity light emitted from edge-mounted LEDs may be evenly extracted and dispersed across an emission surface thanks to the optical combination of complete reflection, refraction, and Lambertian scattering.
There has never been a better moment to get rid of the visually unappealing direct-lit LED luminaires as well as the maintenance-intensive fluorescent troffers thanks to the development of edge-lit LED lighting. Surface emission devices with LED point sources can be produced by luminaire designers using edge-lit technology. Unprecedented visual comfort that is inconceivable with traditional designs is delivered by light panels that have soft, agreeable brightness without sharp shadows over their whole expanse. Extremely homogeneous light distributions produced by edge-lit LED panels are greatly wanted in general lighting applications. When there are color differences between LEDs in direct-lit LED luminaires, color uniformity can become a problem. The side-emission design allows for color mixing inside the light guide, which solves this problem.
A minimum distance between the LED module and the diffuser is required in direct-lit LED luminaires that use diffusers in order to prevent severe LED hot spots. LED panel lights may be manufactured extremely thin with a depth of less than 10 millimeter since edge-lit optical systems no longer require such a setback distance, and because the LEDs are side-mounted within the luminaire. Installations may be made in very shallow ceiling plenums because to the ultra-thin profile.
An aluminum frame assembly and a multi-layered optical assembly make up an edge-lit LED panel light. A light guide panel, a white reflector, and a bottom diffuser are common components of the multi-layered optical system. A slotted aluminum frame holds the optical assembly and a steel top backplate that protects the optical assembly in place. Linear LED modules are mounted within the aluminum frame with their light-emitting surfaces towards the entry end of a light guide. The aluminum frame serves as a heat sink to remove waste heat from the semiconductor junction of the LEDs, houses the LED modules and protects them from direct view. It also offers mechanical support for the optical assembly.
