Lambertian source
An optical source that obeys Lambert’s cosine law, i.e., that has an intensity directly proportional to the cosine of the angle from which it is viewed.
Note: Conventional (surface-emitting) LEDs are approximately Lambertian. They have a large beam divergence. This results in a radiation pattern that resembles a sphere. Thus, most of their total optical output is not coupled into communication fibers. [After FAA]
