- Custom Optical Design
- Precision Mold Manufacturing
- Optical Injection Molding
A TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens is a secondary optical component designed to collect, redirect, and control light from an LED source. Unlike a conventional lens that primarily relies on refraction, a TIR lens combines refraction and total internal reflection to achieve efficient light collection and precise beam control.
A TIR lens collects light emitted from the LED, redirects it through its internal optical surfaces, and shapes it into a controlled beam. By optimizing the lens geometry, engineers can control beam angle, light distribution, intensity, and uniformity.
TIR stands for Total Internal Reflection. When light travels through a higher-refractive-index optical material and reaches a surface at an angle greater than the critical angle, it is reflected internally rather than passing through the surface. In a TIR lens, this principle is used to redirect light toward the desired output direction.
TIR lenses provide an efficient and compact way to control LED light. They can produce narrow, medium, wide, or customized beam patterns while maintaining high optical efficiency. This makes them suitable for spotlights, track lighting, downlights, architectural lighting, street lighting, and other LED applications.
To help customers quickly identify the right application, we offer six standard types based on beam angle and beam pattern, while also supporting custom asymmetric freeform designs.
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At Runzee Optics, we do not simply supply lenses – we engineer complete optical systems. From the initial LED characterization to mass production, every step is executed in‑house, giving you full control, faster iterations, and a single point of responsibility.
- LED Source
- Optical Requirements
- Optical Design
- Ray Tracing Simulation
- Prototype
- Photometric Testing
- Design Optimization
- Mold Development
- Injection Molding
- Mass Production
The question of TIR versus reflector is one of the most common in LED optical design — and for good reason. The answer depends entirely on your application, but TIR lenses offer several distinct advantages that make them the preferred choice in many scenarios.
Key Advantages
- Superior Light Utilization
- Superior Beam Control and Cutoff
- Compact Form Factor
- Design Flexibility
| Comparison | TIR Lens | Reflector |
|---|---|---|
| Light Control Precision | High, with precise control of light distribution | Moderate, with some light rays less controllable |
| Cutoff Sharpness | Sharp and well-defined cutoff | Softer and less-defined cutoff |
| Beam Quality | Highly controllable and uniform beam | More noticeable light diffusion |
| Optical Efficiency | High efficiency with minimal light loss | Generally lower due to reflection losses |
| Application Flexibility | Ideal for precise beam shaping and directional lighting | Suitable for broad beam distribution and simpler lighting applications |
Choose the right TIR lens based on your LED source, beam angle, light distribution, optical performance, and application requirements.
| Type | Typical FWHM | Peak Cd/lm | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow Beam TIR Lens | 4°–15° | Very High | Concentrated beam with precise light control | Long-distance illumination and precision spot lighting |
| Spot TIR Lens | 4°–25° | High to Very High | Focused beam with high center intensity | Spotlights, accent lighting, and architectural lighting |
| Medium Beam TIR Lens | 18°–35° | Medium | Balanced coverage between spot and wide beams | General-purpose commercial and industrial lighting |
| Wide Beam TIR Lens | 35°–80° | Low | Broad beam distribution for wide-area coverage | Flood lighting and large-area illumination |
| Oval TIR Lens | 8°–20° × 40°–50° | Low | Asymmetric beam with different horizontal and vertical angles | Street lighting, wall washing, and linear illumination |
| Freeform TIR Lens | Custom | Application-specific | Custom optical surfaces for precise beam shaping | Complex lighting requirements and application-specific optical systems |
How does a TIR lens work?
来自LED的光线通过透镜的中心光学表面进入透镜。一部分光线直接折射，而边缘光线到达全内反射（TIR）表面，并被内部反射到输出表面。透镜随后将光线整形为所需的光束形状。
What are TIR lenses used for?
TIR透镜广泛用于射灯、轨道灯、筒灯、建筑照明、路灯、高棚灯以及其他需要控制光束分布的LED照明应用。
Can a TIR lens be customized for my LED?
是的。我们可以根据您的LED型号、光束角、光分布、安装空间和光学目标，定制设计全内反射透镜。在生产前，我们可以通过光学仿真和原型测试来优化设计。
What is the difference between a TIR lens and a reflector?
全内反射透镜利用折射和全内反射来控制LED光，而反射器主要依靠反射面。对于许多LED应用而言，全内反射透镜通常能提供更精确的光束整形和更紧凑的光学设计。
