Methods, apparatus, and systems for illumination, including wide area lighting applications. In one embodiment, a method of illumination comprises: comparing metamers at a known and similar CCT with at least one metamer having a higher M/P or S/P ratio； selecting at least one of said metamers for improved perceived brightness； evaluating the selected metamer(s) for desired CCT and acceptable CRI； manufacturing a lighting apparatus which emits light of a given CCT having increased melanopic content compared to one or more extant metameric variations of the same or similar CCT； wherein said light has an acceptable CRI. The method can be applied in various apparatus and systems. In one example, the methods, apparatus, and systems can be used to illuminate a wide area target area with increased perceived brightness compared to typical similar lighting. In some cases, this allows energy savings and/or fewer lighting sources or fixtures than typical lighting.
