What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms luminance measurements expressed in candela per square inch into their equivalent values in watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm. It helps relate photometric quantities, which measure perceived brightness, to radiometric measurements based on physical radiant power at a specific wavelength.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in candela per square inch you wish to convert.
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Select the input unit as candela/square inch and the output unit as watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm).
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Submit the values to receive the converted quantity based on the specified conversion rate.
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Use the result to compare photometric brightness with spectral radiance at the 555 nm wavelength.
Key Features
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Converts luminance from candela per square inch to watt/sq. cm/steradian at 555 nm.
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Supports photometric to radiometric unit transformation relevant for vision science and instrument calibration.
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Browser-based tool requiring no installation for quick and easy conversions.
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Provides direct calculations using provided conversion rates and formulas.
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Ideal for use in display technology, optical metrology, and lighting system analysis.
Examples
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5 candela/square inch converts to approximately 0.0011347 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm).
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10 candela/square inch converts to approximately 0.0022694 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm).
Common Use Cases
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Comparing display brightness for CRT and early flat-panel screens using consistent photometric and radiometric units.
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Calibrating instruments that measure small luminous sources or indicators such as avionics and automotive backlights.
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Conducting vision research focused on human eye sensitivity at the photopic peak wavelength of 555 nm.
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Evaluating LED, lamp, or optical outputs in photometric testing and optical metrology.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure area measurements are correctly converted when switching between inches squared and centimeters squared.
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Remember that this conversion applies to light measured specifically at 555 nm; other wavelengths require different considerations.
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Use this tool for monochromatic luminance-to-radiance conversions, considering source spectral distribution separately as needed.
Limitations
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Conversion targets luminance at only 555 nm, aligning with peak photopic vision but not other wavelengths.
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Does not account for variations in spectral light distributions or different color temperatures.
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Precise area unit conversions must be verified for accurate results since input and output use different measurement scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the wavelength 555 nm important in this conversion?
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555 nm corresponds to the peak sensitivity of human photopic vision, making it a standard reference wavelength for relating photometric and radiometric measurements.
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Can this conversion be used for all types of light sources?
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The conversion specifically applies to monochromatic luminance at 555 nm; sources with differing spectral distributions or color temperatures should consider additional factors.
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Is it necessary to convert area units when using this tool?
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Yes, since the input uses inches squared and the output uses centimeters squared, area measurements must be accurately managed for correct conversion.
Key Terminology
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Candela per square inch (cd/in²)
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A luminance unit representing luminous intensity distributed over one square inch of surface area in a given direction.
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Watt per square centimeter per steradian (at 555 nm)
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A radiometric spectral radiance unit measuring radiant power per projected area per solid angle at the 555 nm wavelength.
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Photopic Peak
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The wavelength around 555 nm where human eye sensitivity to light is highest under bright conditions.