The spectral optimization of a commercializable multi-channel LED panel with circadian impact

There exists a need for the design of light emitting diode (LED) luminaires which can deliver both visual and non-visual benefits of light to humans. In this work, we introduce an optimization approach based on spectral shaping for a minimalistic and practical design of a circadian-tunable multi-channel luminaire which also outputs white light with high quality and luminous efficacy of radiation (LER). The spectral optimization approach utilizes Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm to maximize circadian tunability, light quality and LER while minimizing the number of channels. Solution sets are constrained using the non-visual quality metric, Melanopic Efficacy of Luminous Radiation (MELR) from the Melanopic Equivalent Daylight Illuminance (MEDI) approach and the more stringent visual quality metric TM-30 in addition to conventional Color Rendering Index (CRI). By matching theoretically optimized LED parameters to commercially available LED parameters for commercialization purposes, we establish the maximum MELR tunability that is achievable with 4 and 5 LED channels and the resulting trade-off in efficacy and light quality. Based on the results and analysis in this work, we detail a spectral optimization approach to propel the field of indoor lighting towards human-centric lighting.