What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform luminance values measured in lumen per square centimeter per steradian into stilb (sb), a CGS photometric unit of luminance. It is designed to help users interpret and compare modern SI-derived measurements with legacy CGS units effectively.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in lumen/sq. cm/steradian
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Choose luminance as the measurement category if applicable
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Select 'lumen/sq. cm/steradian' as the source unit
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Select 'stilb [sb]' as the target unit
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Click on convert to get the equivalent stilb value
Key Features
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Simple and user-friendly interface for luminance unit conversion
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Accurate conversion between lumen/sq. cm/steradian and stilb units
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Supports interpreting small-area, high-brightness light source data
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Enables comparison of modern and historical photometric measurements
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Browser-based tool requiring no installation
Examples
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5 lumen/sq. cm/steradian equals 5 stilb [sb]
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0.1 lumen/sq. cm/steradian equals 0.1 stilb [sb]
Common Use Cases
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Characterizing brightness of micro-LED or OLED emitters using lumen/sq. cm/steradian and converting to stilb
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Calibrating luminance meters with high-brightness or small-area samples
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Relating legacy optical research data reported in stilb to modern SI measurements
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Facilitating comparisons between photometric data in CGS and SI units
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Supporting optical lens and illumination design that requires precise luminance values
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify the unit system context (CGS vs SI) when comparing values
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Use this converter to accurately interpret historical photometric data
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Ensure input values represent luminance correctly as lumen per square centimeter per steradian
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Keep in mind the conversion assumes ideal measurement conditions
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Use the tool to support calibration and testing of luminance meters and standards
Limitations
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The units derive from different measurement systems, so mixing them requires caution
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Conversion does not account for spectral response or detector sensitivity variations
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Equivalence assumes ideal conditions and may not reflect all real-world factors
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Does not provide detailed physical or spectral characteristics beyond luminance values
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does lumen per square centimeter per steradian measure?
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It quantifies the luminous flux passing through a surface area per unit solid angle, equivalent to candela per square centimeter, used to characterize small-area brightness.
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Why convert lumen/sq. cm/steradian to stilb?
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Converting to stilb allows interpreting and comparing modern photometric measurements with older CGS unit data frequently found in historical and optical research.
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Are lumen/sq. cm/steradian and stilb equivalent units?
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Yes, 1 lumen/sq. cm/steradian equals exactly 1 stilb, representing the same luminance quantity in SI-derived and CGS systems respectively.
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Can I use this tool for calibrating luminance meters?
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Yes, it supports calibrating and testing meters by facilitating conversions between small-area high-intensity units and CGS luminance standards.
Key Terminology
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Lumen/sq. cm/steradian
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A luminance unit expressing luminous intensity per unit area per unit solid angle, equivalent to candela per square centimeter or 10,000 cd/m².
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Stilb [sb]
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A CGS photometric unit of luminance equal to 10,000 candela per square meter, used for describing luminous intensity emitted or reflected in a specific direction.
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Luminance
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A measure of luminous intensity per unit area emitted or reflected from a surface in a given direction.