What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms luminance measurements from candela per square centimeter, a photometric unit, into watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm, a radiometric spectral radiance unit aligned with human visual sensitivity. It assists in relating brightness and spectral radiance for precise applications.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in candela per square centimeter
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Select the desired output unit: watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm
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Click convert to obtain the equivalent spectral radiance value
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Use the converted value for instrument calibration or light source comparison
Key Features
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Converts luminance from candela/square centimeter to watt/sq. cm/steradian at 555 nm
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Supports measurements relevant to display engineering and optical metrology
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Uses a conversion rate based on the photopic peak wavelength of human vision
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Facilitates calibration and comparison of small light-source outputs
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Browser-based and easy to use without requiring installations
Examples
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5 candela/square centimeter converts to approximately 0.007320644 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm)
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10 candela/square centimeter converts to approximately 0.014641288 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm)
Common Use Cases
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Specifying brightness for small, high-intensity display elements like camera viewfinders and LED indicators
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Characterizing spectral radiance of LEDs and lamps at the 555 nm wavelength for research and calibration
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Converting photometric luminance measurements to radiometric spectral radiance in vision science
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Calibrating lighting instruments and comparing output of optical systems in metrology
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure the measurement applies to small emitting areas for accuracy
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Use this conversion specifically at the 555 nm wavelength related to human photopic vision
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Consider the spectral power distribution of the light source when interpreting results
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Use the conversion for calibrating instruments rather than general luminance assessments
Limitations
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Conversion is only accurate at the wavelength of 555 nm, the photopic sensitivity peak
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May not represent luminance correctly for other wavelengths or broad spectra
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Applicable primarily for small emitting areas with specified angle and wavelength conditions
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Spectral power distribution differences must be accounted for in general applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does candela per square centimeter measure?
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It measures luminance as the luminous intensity emitted per unit projected area of a surface, commonly used for small emitting areas.
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Why is 555 nm used in this conversion?
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Because 555 nm corresponds to the photopic peak of human visual sensitivity, making it useful for relating radiometric and photometric quantities.
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Can this conversion be used for large light sources?
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It is primarily intended for small emitting areas where angle and wavelength specificity are important, so use with caution for larger sources.
Key Terminology
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Candela/square centimeter
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A unit of luminance expressing luminous intensity per unit projected area, equal to 10,000 candela per square meter.
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Watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm)
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A radiometric unit measuring radiant power per unit area per unit solid angle at the wavelength 555 nm, aligned with human visual sensitivity.
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Photopic peak
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The wavelength around 555 nm at which human eye sensitivity to light is maximal under well-lit conditions.