Let's take a look at some of the technology involved. Fluorescent bulbs are an excellent diffuse light for machine vision. A fluorescent bulb emits light because radiation from electricity passing through gas fluoresces on the inside surface of the bulb. Phosphorescent material may be added to improve the light output and stability of the lamp. Such bulbs provide good consistency, operate at low temperatures, have a long life, and are available as linear or ring lights.
Incandescent light is produced by heating a filament.
These are better known as projector bulbs and are most often used with fiber optic light sources. Fiber optics is an excellent delivery mechanism for directional front or back lighting as it produces constant, regulated output. The shape of the fiber optic output can be a point, line, or ring of light, or even a backlight. Unfortunately, incandescent lights have a short life. A strobe is used to freeze a part's motion with a short pulse of light.