Luminous flux is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It is expressed in units of lumen (lm) and is used to quantify the overall brightness of a light source. The luminous flux of an LED light source is a key metric that is used to determine its performance and efficiency.
Luminous flux is calculated by measuring the amount of light emitted in all directions and integrating it over the solid angle of the light source. The luminous flux of an LED light source can be influenced by various factors, including the LED chip efficiency, the type of phosphor used (for white LEDs), and the design of the LED package.
When selecting an LED light source, it is important to consider the luminous flux, along with other performance metrics, such as colour rendering index (CRI), colour temperature, and efficacy, in order to determine the best option for a specific application. The luminous flux of an LED light source can also be affected by its operating conditions, such as temperature and current, so it is important to maintain proper thermal management to ensure consistent performance over time.