diffusering

Diffusering is the act or practice of dispersing something more evenly through the use of a diffuser, a device or material that scatters, redirects, or slows a flow. The term is used informally across multiple disciplines, including lighting, acoustics, fluid handling, and fragrance distribution. In general, diffusering aims to reduce concentration, glare, or directional bias and to create a more uniform field of light, sound, gas, or vapor.

In lighting design, diffusering involves placing diffusers in front of or within a light source to scatter luminous flux. This softens shadows, lowers glare, and yields even illumination. Common diffuser materials include frosted glass, opal acrylic, and diffusive films. Tradeoffs include reduced luminous efficacy and potential color shift depending on material and thickness.

In acoustics, diffusers scatter incident sound waves to disrupt standing waves and achieve a diffuse sound field. Diffusion differs from absorption by not primarily reducing energy but redistributing it. Designs include quadratic residue diffusers, skyline diffusers, and acoustic panels with micro-perforations. Effects: improved speech intelligibility and more natural room sound.

Diffusering can describe the spreading of liquids, vapors, or aerosols through a diffuser in a ventilation system, humidifier, essential oil diffuser, or irrigation nozzle. Key factors include pore size, flow rate, diffusion coefficient, and path length. Diffusering helps achieve uniform concentration or gentle release rather than jetting or clumping.

The term is not fully standardized; in some fields diffusering is simply referred to as diffusion, diffusion control, or the use of diffusers. The concept overlaps with device design intended to moderate intensity and promote uniform distribution.