Studies for Headlamp Optical Design Using LEDs

The studies for headlamp optical design using current available and future projected white LEDs have been conducted. With desires of high performance and compact packaging sizes for both high and low beam headlamps, using LED light sources is a great challenge for the headlamp design optical engineers for light collecting efficiency, beam pattern compression and optical accuracy. Although total lumen flux produced by the LEDs may be comparable to the exiting light sources, e.g., incandescent bulbs, the optical and mechanical characteristics of LEDs may limit the headlamp applications. The paper identifies the etendue concerns and limitations for automotive headlamps when using LED light sources. It provides a guideline for considerations of using LEDs for automotive headlamp applications.