What Is This Tool?
This online converter transforms luminance values measured in watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm into the blondel unit, a historical photometric measure. It facilitates comparison between current radiometric measures aligned with human vision sensitivity and earlier luminance units used in lighting engineering.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminance value in watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm.
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Select blondel as the target unit for conversion.
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View the converted value instantly to compare or document in historical terms.
Key Features
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Converts luminance from watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) to blondel seamlessly
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Supports legacy photometric unit conversions for historical data analysis
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Browser-based and user-friendly interface suitable for researchers and engineers
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Aligns with photopic peak wavelength for accurate spectral radiance to luminance translation
Examples
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0.5 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) converts to approximately 10728538.912009 blondel
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2 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) converts to about 42914155.648036 blondel
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing spectral radiance of small-area light sources at the photopic peak for vision studies
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Converting radiometric radiance measurements to historic photometric units for archival comparison
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Evaluating LED, lamp, or optical system output in optical metrology regarding 555 nm wavelength
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Referencing early 20th-century photometric data when reviewing lighting engineering literature
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure measurements are taken specifically at the 555 nm wavelength for valid conversions
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Consider the historic context of the blondel when interpreting results
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Use calibrated spectral radiance instruments to maintain data reliability
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Transition to SI units like candela per square metre for modern photometric reporting
Limitations
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Blondel is an obsolete unit rarely utilized today, replaced by the candela per square metre
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Conversion accuracy depends on measurements at 555 nm; other wavelengths may yield incorrect results
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High precision demands well-calibrated instruments and understanding of unit historical usage
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) measure?
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It measures spectral radiance as radiant power per unit projected area per unit solid angle at the wavelength of 555 nm, which aligns with human visual sensitivity.
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Why convert to the blondel unit?
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Converting to blondel helps interpret modern measurements in the context of older photometric data and historical standards used before SI units became dominant.
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Is the blondel still commonly used today?
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No, the blondel is obsolete and mostly found in historical records; modern practice uses SI units such as candela per square metre.
Key Terminology
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Watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm)
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A radiometric spectral radiance unit measuring radiant power per projected area and solid angle at the 555 nm wavelength, relevant to human vision sensitivity.
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Blondel
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An outdated photometric luminance unit named after André Blondel, formerly used before the adoption of SI units like candela per square metre.
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Photopic peak
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The wavelength (555 nm) at which the human eye is most sensitive under well-lit conditions, important for correlating radiometric and photometric quantities.