Analysis of flash lamp structure using Monte Carlo photon tracing method

By analyzing the flash lamp structure, better illumination distributions in the lamp's field of view can be obtained. Instead of geometrical optical approaches, the Monte Carlo photon tracing method was used here to trace the photon tracks in a three-dimensional space. The models of elemental structures in a camera flash lamp, such as the flash tube, reflector and focus lens, were set up by introducing the cosinusoidal random number and other mathematical methods. Initially, the single photon was traced in the flash lamp by using the Monte Carlo method to simulate various photon tracks. A large sum of photons was then generated to simulate the real situation in the flash lamp. Finally, a group of structural parameters was applied to verify the simulative computer program. The output light intensity distributions at different angles of view in the orthogonal directions meet the ISO standards and are very close to the measured ones. Hence, the Monte Carlo photon tracing method in the design of flash lamps has been proven to be applicable and useful. © 2008 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH.