Computation of Correlated Color Temperature and Distribution Temperature

Abstract

Methods by which the correlated color temperature and the distribution temperature of a light source may be calculated from a knowledge of the spectral power distribution of the source are described. Digital-computer programs have been written to perform the calculations; these programs are described, with the results of some tests for a number of sources. The two temperatures are significantly different for some sources. A new concept, “daylight distribution temperature” is also introduced and some examples are given.