Color matching light boxes, as optoelectronic devices for color inspection, typically incorporate multiple types of standard light sources internally. However, the specific light sources configured vary across different models of color matching light boxes. Below is an introduction to the most commonly used light sources in color matching light boxes.

The most commonly used color-matching light sources in standard light boxes include A, D65, TL84, CWF, and U30. These light sources are often combined and arranged by professional manufacturers within a single standard light box for customer use. Different light boxes may have varying configurations to meet the diverse needs of different customers.

1. A (INCA) Light Source

The A light source is a gas-filled spiral tungsten filament lamp with a color temperature of 2856K. It is a typical incandescent lamp primarily used for accent lighting in residential interiors or retail spaces.

2. D65 Light Source

Among the D-series standard illuminants, CIE recommends D65 as the preferred illuminant. D65 represents average daylight with a correlated color temperature of 6500K, derived from measurements of overcast northern hemisphere daylight at a north-facing window—averaged across all seasons and times of day. D65 is an indispensable standard light source in numerous standards, including ISO 105-A01 “General Rules for Testing the Colour Fastness of Textiles” and ASTM D1729 “Standard Practice for Visual Evaluation of Opaque Materials.” However, due to the unique spectral power distribution of D65, no artificial light source currently exists that can emit light with an identical spectral power distribution to D65; only approximate simulations are possible. In most standard lightboxes, two high-color-rendering fluorescent lamps are used to simulate the D65 light source. In the GretagMacbeth SPLⅢ standard lightbox, however, tungsten-filtered halogen lamps employ tungsten-filtered technology to simulate the D65 light source.

3. Commercial Lighting Sources (F Series)

The TL84 (F) light source belongs to the F series of fluorescent light sources, a proprietary product of Philips. Widely used in Marks & Spencer stores across the UK, it has become a key commercial color-matching light source in the European market. The TL84 light source typically employs Philips' “TLD” (thin-walled) fluorescent tubes coated with rare-earth phosphors. It is a trichromatic fluorescent lamp with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4000K. CWF light source (F2) is primarily used in commercial and office settings in the United States, with a correlated color temperature of 4150K. CWF stands for Cool White Fluorescent.

U30/TL83 light source (F12): U30, fully named Ultralume3000, is also a trichromatic fluorescent lamp with a correlated color temperature of 3000K. Sears department stores across the United States utilize U30 tubes manufactured by Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The U30 light source is equivalent to the TL83 light source used in Europe. In the GretagMacbeth Judge II standard lightbox, the Philips TL83 fluorescent lamp is employed to achieve the U30 light source.

4. Other Light Sources

In addition to the above light sources, standard light boxes typically include a UV light source. This ultraviolet lamp is often used alone or in combination with other light sources to inspect fabrics for whitening agents and fluorescent dyes. Additionally, some light boxes feature a HOR (HORIZON) light source. This halogen tungsten lamp simulates daylight during dawn or dusk.

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