Foreword

The book is a path through the main components that make up the lighting fixture. Chapter 1 describes the most common methods of classifying luminaires. Although the evolution of technologies makes the boundaries between the various product groups increasingly blurred (making a unique classification challenging), the main categorisation methods are still listed. At the end of the chapter, the main regulatory bodies, directives, and standards affecting lighting products are listed. In Chap. 2, we get to the heart of the lighting hardware by describing the most represented light sources, namely LEDs. The operating principle, strengths, and weaknesses of this technology are here described. A description of the principal families and their commercial applications follows. The chapter closes on the future scenarios. Chapter 3 focuses on power supply, from the basic notions to the possible choices for LED driving. Chapter 4 deals with a fundamental aspect in designing solid-state luminaires, namely heat dissipation. Chapter 5 presents an overview of the main elements and techniques for controlling lighting and detecting users’ position in space. These technologies represent the new frontiers in solid-state lighting (SSL). Finally, Chap. 6 is dedicated to optical systems. After a brief introduction to light’s nature, the main phenomena exploited in optical control are presented, together with the various components commonly used in luminaire design. Besides what can be found in this book, it is due to point out what cannot be found. The word LED was not included in the book’s title as it should no longer be necessary to emphasise the centrality of these sources. Although some traditional sources are still used, solid-state lighting has long since surpassed that of traditional sources. In terms of sales and circulation, LED sources have been overtaking other sources for a long time and for very good reasons. Indeed, I could have also written about traditional light sources or their power supply systems. Still, there is already a lot of literature on the subject. Also due to the regulatory evolution foreseen for Preface xi the immediate future and the gradual disposal of old technologies, I would not have written anything beneficial for the reader.