What Is This Tool?
This tool converts luminance measurements from millilambert, a non-SI unit often used in cinematography and imaging, into lumen per square meter per steradian, the SI equivalent used for specifying brightness in displays and lighting.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in millilambert (mL)
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Select millilambert as the source unit and lumen/sq. meter/steradian as the target unit
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Click convert to get the equivalent brightness value in lumen/sq. meter/steradian
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Use the result for display brightness specification or photometric analysis
Key Features
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Converts millilambert (mL) to lumen/sq. meter/steradian (lm·m⁻²·sr⁻¹) units
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Supports legacy and specialized luminance value translation for modern use
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Browser-based, easy to use interface for quick calculations
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Useful in fields like cinematography, broadcast engineering, and photometry
Examples
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2 millilambert converts to approximately 6.366 lumen/sq. meter/steradian
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0.5 millilambert converts to approximately 1.592 lumen/sq. meter/steradian
Common Use Cases
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Converting older luminance measurements to SI units for calibration
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Specifying display brightness in monitors and projectors
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Designing lighting and signage for proper visible brightness and reduced glare
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Performing photometric measurements and instrument calibration in imaging labs
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure clarity by specifying units when working with legacy luminance data
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Use this tool to translate non-SI luminance units into SI equivalents for standardization
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Cross-check conversion results in critical calibration scenarios
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Apply conversions consistently to maintain accuracy in photometric evaluations
Limitations
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Millilambert is a non-SI, largely outdated unit that may cause confusion if not clearly indicated
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Differences between CGS-derived and SI units require careful interpretation
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Precise measurements depend on correct calibration beyond mere unit conversion
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a millilambert used for?
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Millilambert is used to specify luminance in fields like cinematography, broadcast engineering, and imaging laboratories, often for older or legacy equipment.
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How does lumen per square meter per steradian relate to candela per square meter?
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Lumen per square meter per steradian is equivalent to candela per square meter, the SI unit commonly used to express luminance.
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Why convert millilambert to lumen/sq. meter/steradian?
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Conversion helps translate older luminance values into SI units for compatibility with modern displays, instruments, and photometric standards.
Key Terminology
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Millilambert (mL)
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A non-SI unit of luminance equal to one thousandth of a lambert, used for quantifying luminous intensity per unit area into a unit solid angle.
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Lumen/sq. meter/steradian
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An SI-expressed measure of luminance representing luminous intensity per projected area per solid angle, equivalent to candela per square meter.
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Luminance
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A photometric measure of the brightness of a surface as perceived in a given direction, accounting for light emitted, reflected, or transmitted.