Modeling arc lamp collection efficiency for projection displays: ray tracing vs. measured results

Recent developments in arc modeling have stressed increasingly detailed representations of arc structure, but there is little or no published data on how well these arc models predict measured efficiency in a light collection system. We develop a highly simplified arc model consisting of two main components and a few minor components. We then compare the predictions of this arc model with actual measured collection efficiencies for an Ushio 350W short-arc metal halide lamp. The predictions of the simplified model are shown in this instance to be as good or better than much more complex models. The simpler approach may be more cost- effective in volume, and may have advantages for describing lamp variability.