What is TIR lens?

Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses are specialized optical components designed to control and direct light with high efficiency using the principle of total internal reflection. These lenses are particularly significant in applications requiring efficient light control and high performance.  This article will explore TIR lenses' principles, design, and applications.

What is Total Internal Reflection?

Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is an optical phenomenon that occurs when a light ray traveling through a medium hits the boundary of another medium with a lower refractive index at an angle greater than the critical angle. This results in the light being completely reflected back into the original medium instead of passing through the boundary. This principle is harnessed in TIR lenses to manipulate light paths with high precision.

Light Control And Beam Shaping Of TIR Lenses

Some TIR lens types

They are generally injection-molded from polymers such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) acrylic and polycarbonate. It can be designed in arrays for multiple LEDs or have mechanical details included to aid mounting.

Some bespoke TIR lens projects we have done before

Applications Of TIR Lenses

TIR lenses are usually applied in high-efficiency lighting systems, particularly in LED lighting fixtures. They help distribute light more uniformly and efficiently in LED luminaires.

Brightlx R&D team can custom TIR lenses per your exact specifications. Our team of optical engineers and designers can work with you through the entire process, from optical design and feasibility testing through prototyping to production.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your LED optics projects and specifications!