Light beams

A light beam is a narrow beam of light that travels through space. It can be considered the fundamental unit of light, consisting of photons - particles that carry light energy.

All light beams together make up a beam produced by a reflector such as a light. The visibility produced by a light is the light radiation from the lamp. To interpret it, several terms are available. For example, think clear. This indicates that the light emitted by a lamp is clear white in colour. A light beam is a line drawn in the direction in which the lighter energy flows. When light beams fall parallel to the major axis on a lens, they intersect at a point called the focal point.

What does a light beam consist of?

Light beams consist of photons moving in a wave-like motion. The wavelength and frequency of these photons determine the colour and energy of the light.

What light beams are there:

There are basically 3 types of light beams:

• Parallel light beams
• Divergent light beams
• Converging light beams

The parallel light beam (parallel light beam)

This refers to light beams whose individual photons move parallel to each other. This means that they travel in the same direction without diverging or converging. Parallel light can occur in various contexts, including direct light beams, but it is not limited to only one direction.

Example parallel beam:
The LED driving light usually has a parallel beam. Here, light beams usually go towards one point to illuminate a certain area.

Converging light beams:

A converging light beam means that the light beams curve or converge towards each other. This can occur when light passes through a converging lens, such as a positive lens or a convex lens.

In the converging light beam, all light beams run towards each other. They intersect at a single point. After coming together, they will then outgoing again.

Examples of a converging light beam:

An LED bar on a 4×4 vehicle can be designed with lenses that bundle and focus light beams on specific terrain sections during off-road driving in the dark.

With LED work lights on vehicles, construction sites or other work applications, it is often essential to use bundled light beams. This maximises light intensity where it is needed, improving visibility and increasing work efficiency.

Divergent beam

In the diverging light beam, all light beams are outgoing. A good example of this is the LED flood beam in the agricultural sector.

Example diverging light beam: work lights on a vehicle with a diffuse pattern will spread light evenly over a large working area. Useful for repairs on the side of the road, for example.

Choosing the right light beams

The choice of a light beam depends on the type of light. Our lighting experts can give you additional advice on this if required.