Irradiance Uniformity and Distribution from Dental Light Curing Units

Abstract

Using different light guides on the same LCU significantly affected the power output, irradiance values, and beam homogeneity. For all LCUs, irradiance values calculated using conventional methods (I(CM)) did not represent the irradiance distribution across the tip end of the LCU. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Irradiance values calculated using conventional methods assume power uniformity within the beam and do not validly characterize the distribution of the irradiance delivered from dental light curing units.