On Near-Field Photometry

In this paper, we will introduce and explain the theory of near-field photometry - i.e. the collection of photometric data which allow us to consider the luminaire not as a point source, but as a combination of individual components, each with unique photometric properties. We will outline the mathematical procedures for obtaining near-field photometric data, and demonstrate how the use of near-field photometry will dramatically improve our ability to accurately represent the luminous intensities of a luminaire, as well as luminance and illuminance patterns on a surface.