The purpose of certain devices associated with a specific activity is not always completely clear to us. For example, a shadowless lamp. What is it? Why shadowless - how is this effect achieved? Where is the device used? Detailed answers are provided later in the article.
What is it?
A shadowless lamp is a device that, when illuminating a specific working field, does not create a shadow area in it. Such devices are most often mounted in special fittings that allow more even distribution of light, as well as adjust the level of lighting. If it is a modern model, then it can be delivered with a control panel.
Dictionaries also offer the following meanings, which are not inherently far from what we have presented:
- One of the types of electric lamps, equipped with a device that eliminates the possibility of the appearance of shadow in the working lighted area.
- A lighting device that does not give shade, most often used in medical activities.
- The lamp used for uniform illumination of the working field, whose shadowless effect is achieved due to the simultaneous operation of several light sources or the reflection of it from the fixtures.
Scope of application
Where are shadowless lamps used? These are the following areas:
- The medicine. Especially relevant for surgery, dentistry.
- Cosmetology.
- Electronic production.
- Jewelcrafting.
- Repair shops where it is important to thoroughly and comprehensively illuminate the workplace.
Recently, shadowless lamps for domestic use are becoming more and more relevant.
The principle of operation of the device
The operation of such devices is based on a combination of lighting from the top and front sources. The result is a common (or filling) light. Namely, the uniform, shadowless, intense diffuse illumination of the object. I must say that it is because of this that shadowless lamps are also valued by photographers.
The ratio between the brightness of shadows and light changes the decrease in overall illumination. In this case, the brightness of the light decreases faster than the brightness of the shadows. Why? The shadows continue to be illuminated to some extent by diffused light. Hence, a decrease in the system illumination of the lamp will lead to a decrease in contrast.
Shadowless lamps can give simple light - when it goes in the same direction from one source. There may also be complex light. It comes, respectively, from several sources in several directions.
As for the use of shadowless lamps in photo-making, here their illumination can be as follows:
- Tough. The light source is an electric lamp without fittings, a voltaic arc. Here, the boundaries of the shadows become more rigidly outlined, and the relief of the subject is exaggerated. This is clearly seen in the troughs - they seem to go deep.
- Soft. The light source is enclosed in a wide spotlight, enclosed by a translucent screen. With such illumination, the shadows are almost blurred, the surface topography is difficult to determine.
- Softened. The light source is blocked by a translucent screen made of thin fabric, paper, "milk" glass. This gently erodes the shadow contours, smooths reliefs.
The lighting of the shadowless lamp and the location of the object to it are related in this way: the closer the latter, the more sharply outlined and conical its shadow. If two light sources are used, whose rays intersect, then not only the shadow will fall from the subject, but also the penumbra, smoothing the contrast of its outline.
Consider the angles of incidence of the rays of a shadowless lamp:
- Over 45 ° - direct lighting.
- Less than 45 ° - oblique lighting. It emphasizes both the details and the contour of the object. One of the varieties is moving lighting. Here the angle of incidence tends to zero. In this case, the direct light from a weak light source softens the contrast.
Device benefits
Why do we prefer this lighting fixture more than others in these areas? The shadowless lamp has the following undeniable advantages:
- Shines exactly, does not flicker.
- Does not heat up the work area.
- It does not spoil eyesight during prolonged use.
- It has no stroboscopic effect.
- Safe to use.
- Consumes a small amount of electrical energy.
- It is characterized by a long service life.
Varieties of lamps
Shadowless lamps are standardly powered from the mains with a backup power source. Illumination - 50,000 lux, color temperature - 4,500 K.
In lamps two types of lamps are used:
- Halogen. In addition to them, the design includes special cold light reflectors, absorption, color correction filters, interference reflectors (devices that remove heat). Among the additional equipment, you can select a video monitor, which is installed on a separate lever. A multi-stage light control system is possible. Among the latest innovations are the pantographic mechanism and electronic ballast.
- LED light. Lamps are represented by a system of diodes. Among them are magnifying shadowless lamps. Such designs are equipped with a magnifying glass, which allows you to better see a specific work area.
In addition to the presented classification, such lighting devices are divided according to the method of their fastening:
- Shadowless table lamps.
- With ceiling mount.
- With mount to the table.
- With wall mount.
- For installation in spaces with low ceilings.
- Mobile structures.
Shadowless Lamp Manufacturers
Shadowless lamp magnifiers and other products of this variety are primarily used in medicine, in critical manufacturing. Therefore, when purchasing them, you must pay attention to reliable manufacturers. Among the latter, the following firms and enterprises can be distinguished:
- Russian - "Medbalans", Viking, Dixion, "Alpha".
- English - Eschmann Equipmeht.
- Germanic - Berchtold, Dräger Medical.
- Italian - Csn Inustrie Srl.
As noted by direct users, the products of these manufacturers are multifunctional, popular, durable, have a decent combination of "price / quality".
Shadowless lamps are quite widely used devices today with an impressive list of advantages. You now know the principle of their work. The devices are presented in several variations - by type of lamp, mounting structure.