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Beam Spread Formula:
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The Light Beam Spread formula calculates the diameter of a light beam at a specific distance from the source, based on the beam's divergence angle (theta). This is essential for lighting design, photography, and optical engineering applications.
The calculator uses the beam spread formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the diameter of the light beam at a given distance by applying trigonometric principles to the beam's divergence angle.
Details: Accurate beam spread calculation is crucial for proper lighting design, ensuring adequate illumination coverage, determining fixture placement, and optimizing energy efficiency in lighting systems.
Tips: Enter distance in feet and beam angle in degrees. All values must be valid (distance > 0, theta between 0-180 degrees).
Q1: What is beam divergence angle?
A: Beam divergence angle (theta) is the angle at which light spreads out from the source, typically measured between points where intensity drops to 50% of maximum.
Q2: Can I use different units for distance?
A: Yes, but ensure all distance measurements use the same units. The result will be in the same units as the input distance.
Q3: Does this formula work for all light sources?
A: This formula works best for light sources with consistent beam patterns. Complex or irregular beam patterns may require more advanced calculations.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise for ideal conditions, but real-world factors like atmospheric conditions and fixture quality may affect actual beam spread.
Q5: What if my beam angle is very small?
A: For very small angles (less than 5 degrees), the calculation remains accurate. The formula uses tangent function which properly handles small angles.