IQ-LED: High-Precision Narrow Band Light

Introduction to iQ-LED Technology

iQ-LED is an illumination technology developed and produced by Image Engineering. It allows us to create modern light sources that are unique in their capabilities and the possibilities that they offer.

After more than 8 years of experience optimizing and using this technology, we currently offer the second version of iQ-LED across a wide range of illumination devices. iQ-LED technology has enabled imaging labs to replace their existing tungsten or fluorescent light sources with more flexible, versatile iQ-LED sources.

What is iQ-LED technology?

iQ-LED technology can generate custom spectra by optically mixing the emitted radiation from spectrally distinct LEDs. Physically, iQ-LED is a high-power SMD (surface-mount device)-LED-based spectral broadband light source on a 10 x 10 cm light panel with 41 SMD LEDs arranged into 20 color channels (see figure 1). These channels cover the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 820 nm and are controlled via 4000 steps per channel and 32 kHz PWM (1000 steps with 128 kHz also possible).

Figure 1: The 20 color channels of iQ-LED*

iQ-LED technology can also extend past the visible spectral range and into the IR region. With an IR illumination extension, the spectral range will expand to 380 nm – 1050 nm.

Figure 2: Wavelengths extended into the IR range*

*Graphs are for visualization only; actual wavelengths may vary.

Illumination stability

The iQ-LEDs have illumination stability of +/- 1%. They also have excellent long-term stability via temperature control. The device uses a warm-up period and automated stabilizations to ensure the temperature remains within a range that avoids spectral emission variations. The temperature control also provides short-term, mid-term, and spectral stability. Long-term stability is achieved through self-calibration using a calibrated spectrometer included in every iQ-LED product.

Figure 3: Long-term stability of an iQ-LED

iQ-LED vs. standard light sources

Compared to traditional light sources, such as fluorescent light, iQ-LED can almost perfectly reproduce different spectra. For example, when generating the D65 illuminant, the iQ-LED will closely match the D65 spectrum. However, fluorescent light exhibits sharp changes in wavelength, making D65 reproduction much less accurate (see figure 3).

It’s also worth mentioning that many other light sources, including certain LED-based light sources, do not provide light energy in wavelength ranges above VIS, where the differences in the IR cut filter are critical and cannot be observed when using simple light sources.

Figure 4: A comparison of iQ-LED and HQ fluorescent illumination

Practical use cases for iQ-LED technology

Using a single light source to create a huge variety of standard light sources (e.g., A, D50, D65, etc.)
Creating reference spectra for calibration and characterization on a production line
Replicating natural light sources
Create flickering light test sequences

Want to learn more about how iQ-LED technology can benefit you?

Section description text

Black rectangular device with a square screen displaying a gray scale chart, text "LE7" and "Image Engineering" logos

LE7 Lightbox

The LE7 is a uniform lightbox that uses iQ-LED technology to improve image quality in camera testing with transparent test charts. With five product variations, the LE7 can deliver a wide range of light intensities for more comprehensive camera testing.

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A large rectangular screen with multiple colorful narrow band light patterns, attached to a black metal frame and stand

iQ-Flatlight

Powered by iQ-LED technology, the iQ-Flatlight uses ten iQ-LED elements to recreate almost any light source for test chart or scene illumination. This all-in-one light source greatly expands a test lab's capabilities.

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A device with a light panel displaying a board game with red, green, and blue markers on a light tan background

iQ-Chart Box

The iQ-Chart Box has a compact design with eight built-in iQ-LED elements and four fluorescent light sources for illuminating reflective test charts in size A460 and under. Each light is aligned and fixed to ensure test charts are always homogeneously illuminated.

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Two black narrow band light sources, one angled and one flat, illuminate a white grid on a gray base

iQ-Multispectral

The iQ-Multispectral is a multispectral illumination device based on iQ-LED technology to enhance digitalization and the preservation of documents, texts, or images.

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A light booth showcasing various objects, a color checker, and a backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral

lightSTUDIO-L

Many image quality factors are best measured with test charts. However, a few, such as white balance, are better analyzed using a real scene. The lightSTUDIO contains multiple objects of various colors and textures for an accurate visual analysis.

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A black box with a central glowing blue circular light source surrounded by four directional narrow band light fixtures

CAL product line

Our CAL products combine iQ-LED with integrating spheres to create flexible calibration and characterization light sources. Please see our production line technology page for an overview of the iQ-LED technology as it relates to the CAL light sources.

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