What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms luminance measurements from stilb (sb), a CGS photometric unit, into lumen/sq. cm/steradian, a unit used for high-brightness small-area sources. It simplifies interpreting historical and modern luminance data across different unit systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in stilb (sb) in the input field
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Select stilb as the source unit and lumen/sq. cm/steradian as the target unit
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Click on the convert button to get the equivalent luminance value
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Review the converted value to support your data analysis or research
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Use the results to compare or calibrate luminance measurements efficiently
Key Features
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Converts stilb (sb) to lumen/sq. cm/steradian with a direct 1:1 ratio
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Allows interpretation of legacy CGS-based luminance data in modern units
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Supports optical research and calibration laboratory needs
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Facilitates comparison between historical and current luminance measurements
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick conversions
Examples
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5 stilb [sb] equals 5 lumen/sq. cm/steradian
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0.1 stilb [sb] equals 0.1 lumen/sq. cm/steradian
Common Use Cases
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Translating historical CGS luminance data to modern measurement units
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Analyzing brightness of bright laboratory light sources and reflective surfaces
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Characterizing luminance of micro-LED or OLED emitters in display manufacturing
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Calibrating luminance meters for small-area, high-intensity light samples
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Comparing legacy photometric data with current optical research results
Tips & Best Practices
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Always confirm the measurement context when converting between units with different area scales
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Use this tool to aid understanding of historical luminance data alongside modern standards
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Double-check instrument calibration when applying converted values in sensitive measurements
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Apply conversions carefully to ensure accuracy in photometric research and product design
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Consider unit definitions and usage context for meaningful interpretation of results
Limitations
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Stilb is primarily a historical unit and less frequently used in current practice
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Different base area units (square meters vs square centimeters) require careful interpretation
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Measurement precision may depend on calibration and specific light source characteristics
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Conversions do not address differences in measurement methodology, only unit equivalency
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Users must apply domain knowledge when comparing legacy and modern luminance data
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the stilb unit used for?
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The stilb (sb) is a CGS photometric unit measuring luminance, mainly used for interpreting historical photometric data and describing bright laboratory light sources or reflective surfaces.
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How does 1 stilb relate to lumen per square centimeter per steradian?
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1 stilb is exactly equal to 1 lumen/sq. cm/steradian, making conversion between these units straightforward with a 1:1 ratio.
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Why convert stilb to lumen/sq. cm/steradian?
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Converting stilb to lumen/sq. cm/steradian helps translate legacy CGS luminance data into units suited for modern optical research and small-area brightness measurements.
Key Terminology
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Stilb [sb]
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A CGS photometric unit of luminance equal to 10,000 candela per square meter, quantifying luminous intensity per unit area in a given direction.
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Lumen/sq. cm/steradian
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A unit of luminance representing luminous flux per unit area per unit solid angle, equivalent to candela per square centimeter.
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Luminance
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A photometric measure of the luminous intensity emitted or reflected from a surface in a particular direction per unit area.