Precise spatial-color optical modeling in phosphor-converted white LEDs

White light LEDs are playing a more and more important role in display in various structures. Here, a new modeling algorithm is proposed for use in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pcW-LEDs); the algorithm can be used to accurately simulate color appearances, potentially enabling optical designers to remove yellowish/bluish spots in LED lighting. The proposed modeling method was applied to simulate a pcW-LED without an encapsulation lens, and subsequently, a pcW-LED with a hemispherical lens. Both simulations accurately predicted the blue and yellow light distribution. The model was further verified by applying a total internal reflector lens to the pcW-LED. In the midfield region, the blue and yellow light distribution exhibited large variations as the observation distance changed; this varying light pattern for both the blue and yellow lights can be accurately predicted using the proposed model. The developed optical model should facilitate designing a pcW-LED that features high-quality illumination and increased color uniformity.