How to Shift LED Fixture Beam Angles

Getting a light source to behave the way we want it to is not always easy, particularly when mounting/placement constrictions prevent direct line of sight. Fortunately, advances in redirecting light offer unique solutions for lighting engineers and designers struggling with less than ideal spaces, and one of the most innovative is Luminit’s Direction Turning Film (DTF).

What Is Direction Turning Film?

Direction Turning Films are typically installed inside or above an LED sourced luminaire or architectural feature. When combined with Light Shaping Diffuser, these films allow designers to homogenize LED light, redirect, and increase the beam angle of a light source.  How do they work? Unseen by the naked eye are microscopic asymmetrical prismatic structures embedded on Direction Turning Films that impart a 20-degree shift in the angle of a semi-collimated light source.  The light can be shifted up, down, left or right to achieve the optical beam angle. This directional turning allows off-axis placement of an incoming beam, a feat that has a myriad of practical applications in lighting.

films that shifts a light source
    The above drawing shows the way the prismatic structure redirects light.

                                              

Direction Turning Films in Architectural Lighting

The ability to redirect a light beam affords unlimited display and lighting possibilities spanning a wide range of industries. In lighting design, DTFs give designers more placement flexibility and more control over where and how a light beam is directed. When diffusing recessed downlights, for example, a DTF can be applied to lights mounted in close proximity to a wall.  A light beam that would normally point downward can then be redirected 20 degrees to highlight or “wash” the wall, thus turning directional light into volumetric lighting. DTFs are also useful tools for in-grade lighting or recessed up-lights where the DTFs can direct the beam to the target wall or structure and improve illumination and coverage. DTF can result in significant savings because it allows lighting designers to change the direction of the light beam without changing or moving the fixture. 

direction turning film shifts the beam angle of the lighting fixture
 One of the many practical applications of Direction Turning Film includes placement on downward recessed lighting in order to shift the beam without moving the light fixture.

                               

Another example where Luminit Direction Turning Films are frequently used are in swimming pools or decorative water features. Pool lighting can be tricky. In order to get the best lighting effect, the light needs to illuminate the bottom of the pool, an impractical scenario given that the light structures are almost always installed on the side walls. Applying a turning film diverts the light to the bottom, thus increasing coverage and creating a more even and effective lighting scene.

Direction Turning Films in Displays

Luminit DTFs are also incorporated into display panels such those used as in avionics. For example, in an ideal placement, an avionics display panel would be oriented so the pilot and co-pilot both have optimal views of the panels and images; however, compromises are often made due to space restraints and design limitations. The pilot may have the optimal view at the expense of the co-pilot. DTS applied to instrumentation panels can direct it 20 degrees up, down, left or right to attain the optimal angle for the co-pilot without changing the pilot’s view. DTF can also be incorporated in double-sided film with the DTF on one side and a Luminit Light Shaping Diffuser on the other to enhance screen uniformity. Luminit DTF is also a practical replacement for 3m redirecting film.

 

film for optimal viewing in avionics instrument panels
Luminit Direction Turning Films are installed in avionics displays to optimize the view for pilots and co-pilots and when combined with Luminit Light Shaping Diffusers can enhance panel brightness and visibility.

Direction Turn Films are just one of the many Luminit technologies that help engineers and lighting designers overcome design challenges when direct line of sight of a light beam is impractical.  Our sales department is ready to assist you in choosing the right Luminit prismatic film for your specific application. Send an email to sales@luminitco.com to find out how Luminit DTF can help you.