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Forum for Illumination Research, Engineering, and Science (FIRES)

The ability to control fire is considered one of the most important factors in expanding and developing our human ancestors’ societies. The societal importance of fire required larger and larger groups to work together in order to maintain and sustain the fire; individuals had to work together to find fuel for the fire, maintain the fire, and complete other necessary tasks. Ultimately, fire had a significant influence on the development of language and the size and social interactions of communities.

The Forum for Illumination Research, Engineering, and Science (FIRES) is the IES online space for our lighting community to openly share and discuss the latest research and innovations in illumination engineering and science. As a space for the free dissemination of knowledge and exchange of ideas, FIRES is intended to foster relationships between individuals and larger institutions, and reignite the emphasis on science and engineering in the lighting industry. Through FIRES, we hope to have a significant influence on the development and advancement of lighting.
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To post an article in FIRES, go to our Policies and Submissions page.
Questions? research@ies.org

Editorial Disclaimer
The views expressed in articles published on FIRES do not necessarily reflect those of IES or represent endorsement by the IES.
Discomfort Glare Models in Outdoor Environments After Dark | Figure 1. A scene with the main factors that affect the experience of discomfort glare
Figure 1. A scene with the main factors that affect the experience of discomfort glare

Discomfort Glare Models in Outdoor Environments After Dark

Abstract There is a substantial need in establishing a practical discomfort glare model for glare prediction and subsequent reduction in lighting installations with stationary or slow-moving observers in outdoor spaces…

ANSI/IES-LM-85-23: A Productive Collaboration During COVID Produces 100X-Improved Measurement Technique | Figure 1. The IES LM-85-23 Standard is available on IES and ANSI websites
Figure 1. The IES LM-85-23 Standard is available on IES and ANSI websites.

ANSI/IES-LM-85-23: A Productive Collaboration During COVID Produces 100X-Improved Measurement Technique

Introduction IES LM-85, Approved Method: Optical and Electrical Measurements of LED Sources, as shown in Figure 1, is the IES standard that applies to LED component measurements. 1 LM-85-23 covers…

ENLIGHT Checklist logo

The ENLIGHT Checklist: Enhancing the reproducibility of light-based interventions in the laboratory through standardized reporting

Authors Renske Lok PhD, Stanford University, USA Manuel Spitschan PhD, Technical University of Munich & Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Germany Laura Kervezee PhD, Leiden University Medical Center, The…

Exit signs lighting

Assessing LED Exit Sign Luminances in the Field

Abstract Of the millions of exit signs in the U.S., many if not most use light emitting diode (LED) sources. Standards for exit sign performance describe the performance of new…

Figure 1
Figure 1. Reveal – The IALD Light Workshop conducted in CCA/Chandigarh uses light to reveal previously unknown facets of Le Corbusier’s architecture. Old brick and concrete structures received a futuristic fervor with light.

Applying Slow Design Principles for Culturing Wellbeing Through Lighting Installations

This article is an abridged version of a study that demonstrates how lighting installations designed with slow design principles can culture (cultivate and propagate) wellbeing. By Amardeep M. Dugar, PhD

The Use of Near-Field Data for Accurate Modeling of Horticultural and Germicidal Applications

The Use of Near-Field Data for Accurate Modeling of Horticultural and Germicidal Applications

For over a century, lighting designers have modeled luminaires as point light sources. This made perfect sense for a half-century of incandescent lamps. However, when linear fluorescent lamps were introduced…

Figure 1.
Figure 1. Divergence in photopic and melanopic sensitivity

Defining Biologically Appropriate, Healthy Lighting

Across human history, we have used “artificial” lighting to allow us to interact with our environment and perform tasks under conditions where the scarcity of daylight would otherwise prove an…

Lighting Uniformity in Horticulture
Figure 1 – What we see versus what plants respond to.

Lighting Uniformity in Horticulture

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies Marc Descoteaux Senior Software Engineer, SunTracker Technologies Written in 2015, “Greenhouse Design and Control” (Ponce et al. 2015) is…

Figure 3.
Figure 3 – Finsen light being used to treat lupus vulgaris patients circa 1900. Source: Wikipedia.

Visible Light Disinfection

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies Visible light disinfection is a lighting industry innovation wherein violet light is claimed to inactivate pathogens such as bacteria…

2022 IES Research Symposium

Light and Intelligence

By Robert F. Karlicek, Jr.About 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus postulated that the only constant thing in life is change. Perhaps this statement is more true today than…

Horticultural Lighting Design and Déjà Vu

Horticultural Lighting Design and Déjà Vu

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies The phrase déjà vu translates from French as “already seen,” which nicely describes a current issue with horticultural lighting…

GUV Measurements – From the Lab to the Field

GUV Measurements – From the Lab to the Field

By Michael L. Grather, CTO, LightLab International Allentown, LLC We have all seen the wide range of new products claiming to be effective against pathogens of all sorts. Common claims…

Discomfort Glare Models in Outdoor Environments After Dark | Figure 1. A scene with the main factors that affect the experience of discomfort glare
Figure 1. A scene with the main factors that affect the experience of discomfort glare

Discomfort Glare Models in Outdoor Environments After Dark

Abstract There is a substantial need in establishing a practical discomfort glare model for glare prediction and subsequent reduction in lighting installations with stationary or slow-moving observers in outdoor spaces…
ANSI/IES-LM-85-23: A Productive Collaboration During COVID Produces 100X-Improved Measurement Technique | Figure 1. The IES LM-85-23 Standard is available on IES and ANSI websites
Figure 1. The IES LM-85-23 Standard is available on IES and ANSI websites.

ANSI/IES-LM-85-23: A Productive Collaboration During COVID Produces 100X-Improved Measurement Technique

Introduction IES LM-85, Approved Method: Optical and Electrical Measurements of LED Sources, as shown in Figure 1, is the IES standard that applies to LED component measurements. 1 LM-85-23 covers…
ENLIGHT Checklist logo

The ENLIGHT Checklist: Enhancing the reproducibility of light-based interventions in the laboratory through standardized reporting

Authors Renske Lok PhD, Stanford University, USA Manuel Spitschan PhD, Technical University of Munich & Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Germany Laura Kervezee PhD, Leiden University Medical Center, The…
Exit signs lighting

Assessing LED Exit Sign Luminances in the Field

Abstract Of the millions of exit signs in the U.S., many if not most use light emitting diode (LED) sources. Standards for exit sign performance describe the performance of new…
Figure 1
Figure 1. Reveal – The IALD Light Workshop conducted in CCA/Chandigarh uses light to reveal previously unknown facets of Le Corbusier’s architecture. Old brick and concrete structures received a futuristic fervor with light.

Applying Slow Design Principles for Culturing Wellbeing Through Lighting Installations

This article is an abridged version of a study that demonstrates how lighting installations designed with slow design principles can culture (cultivate and propagate) wellbeing. By Amardeep M. Dugar, PhD
The Use of Near-Field Data for Accurate Modeling of Horticultural and Germicidal Applications

The Use of Near-Field Data for Accurate Modeling of Horticultural and Germicidal Applications

For over a century, lighting designers have modeled luminaires as point light sources. This made perfect sense for a half-century of incandescent lamps. However, when linear fluorescent lamps were introduced…
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Divergence in photopic and melanopic sensitivity

Defining Biologically Appropriate, Healthy Lighting

Across human history, we have used “artificial” lighting to allow us to interact with our environment and perform tasks under conditions where the scarcity of daylight would otherwise prove an…
Lighting Uniformity in Horticulture
Figure 1 – What we see versus what plants respond to.

Lighting Uniformity in Horticulture

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies Marc Descoteaux Senior Software Engineer, SunTracker Technologies Written in 2015, “Greenhouse Design and Control” (Ponce et al. 2015) is…
Figure 3.
Figure 3 – Finsen light being used to treat lupus vulgaris patients circa 1900. Source: Wikipedia.

Visible Light Disinfection

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies Visible light disinfection is a lighting industry innovation wherein violet light is claimed to inactivate pathogens such as bacteria…
2022 IES Research Symposium

Light and Intelligence

By Robert F. Karlicek, Jr.About 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus postulated that the only constant thing in life is change. Perhaps this statement is more true today than…
Horticultural Lighting Design and Déjà Vu

Horticultural Lighting Design and Déjà Vu

By Ian Ashdown, P. Eng. (Ret.), FIES Senior Scientist, SunTracker Technologies The phrase déjà vu translates from French as “already seen,” which nicely describes a current issue with horticultural lighting…
GUV Measurements – From the Lab to the Field

GUV Measurements – From the Lab to the Field

By Michael L. Grather, CTO, LightLab International Allentown, LLC We have all seen the wide range of new products claiming to be effective against pathogens of all sorts. Common claims…