What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform luminance measurements expressed in watt per square centimeter per steradian at the wavelength of 555 nm into lambert units. It bridges radiometric spectral radiance data with the more traditional photometric unit lambert, facilitating comparisons in various optical and vision science applications.
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 the desired output unit as lambert.
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Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent luminance in lambert units.
Key Features
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Converts radiometric spectral radiance at 555 nm to lambert units accurately using a standardized conversion rate.
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Supports applications in optical metrology, vision research, and display calibration.
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Offers a browser-based solution for converting between specific luminance units related to human visual sensitivity.
Examples
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0.5 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) converts to approximately 1072.85 lambert.
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2 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) converts to approximately 4291.42 lambert.
Common Use Cases
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Characterizing spectral radiance of small light sources or displays at the photopic peak for vision studies.
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Converting radiometric radiance to photometric luminance for instrument calibration.
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Specifying outputs of LEDs or lamps at 555 nm in optical and photometric testing.
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Evaluating surface brightness for optical engineering and photographic applications.
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Assessing screen luminance in cinema and projection technologies using traditional units.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always ensure the input radiance measurement corresponds to the 555 nm wavelength for accurate conversion.
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Use this tool to reconcile radiometric data with photometric units relevant to human vision.
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Apply the conversion primarily when working within photopic visual conditions for meaningful luminance values.
Limitations
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Applicable only for luminance at the specific wavelength of 555 nm, which restricts use across broader light spectra.
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Lambert is a non-SI unit and may be less common in modern photometric analyses using SI units.
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Conversion depends on a luminous efficiency function fixed at 555 nm and may not represent all visual perception scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) measure?
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It measures radiometric spectral radiance as radiant power per unit projected area per unit solid angle at the wavelength of 555 nm, linked to human photopic visual sensitivity.
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Why convert from watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) to lambert?
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Converting allows comparison of precise radiometric measurements to traditional luminance units used in optical engineering, photography, and cinematic projection.
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Is lambert an SI unit?
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No, lambert is a non-SI (CGS) unit of luminance commonly used historically in photographic and optical contexts.
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 per solid angle at the 555 nm wavelength.
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Lambert [L]
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A non-SI unit of luminance representing 1/π candela per square centimeter, traditionally used in optical and photographic brightness measurements.
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Photopic peak
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The wavelength near 555 nm where human visual sensitivity is greatest under well-lit conditions.