Light beams

All light beams together form a beam produced by a reflector , such as a light. The visibility provided by a light is the light emitted by the light. Various terms are used to describe this. Consider, for example, ‘clear’. This indicates that the light emitted by a light is clear white in colour. A light beam is a line drawn in the direction in which the light energy flows. If light beams strike a lens parallel to the principal axis, they intersect at a point known as 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 of a parallel beam:
The LED driving light usually has a parallel beam. Here, the light beams typically converge at a single point to illuminate a specific 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 concentrate the light beams and direct them onto specific sections of terrain whilst driving off-road in the dark.

When using LED work lights on vehicles, at construction sites or in other work applications, it is often essential to utilise focused light beams. This ensures maximum light intensity exactly where it is needed, thereby improving visibility and increasing work efficiency.

Divergent beam

With a divergent beam, all the light beams fan out in different directions. A good example of this is the LED flood beam used 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.