headlamps

Headlamps are lighting devices designed to illuminate the path ahead and to make a vehicle or a wearer visible to others. They can be integrated into motor vehicles or worn on the head, helmet, or body for activities such as cycling, hiking, or mining. In automotive use, headlamps typically provide a low beam for regular driving and a high beam for longer-range visibility, often with daytime running lights.

Automotive headlamps have evolved from sealed-beam incandescent units to halogen, high-intensity discharge (HID), and now light-emitting diode (LED) technologies. Modern designs use projector optics and electronic controls to shape the beam, reduce glare, and support adaptive features such as auto high-beam, adaptive front lighting, and cornering lights. Regulations governing brightness, color temperature, beam pattern, and mounting height vary by region.

Light-source characteristics influence performance: halogen lamps are inexpensive but less efficient; HID provides high brightness with longer range but requires ballast; LEDs offer long life, compact form, and rapid response. Some systems experiment with laser-assisted lighting or pixelated LEDs for selective illumination.

Non-automotive headlamps include helmet or head-mounted lamps for outdoor use and bicycle front lights. These devices differ in brightness (lumens), beam pattern (spot versus flood), battery type, and water resistance. Safe use emphasizes proper aiming, avoiding glare, and regular maintenance such as battery checks and lens cleaning.