What Is This Tool?
This unit converter helps you translate luminance values measured in watt per square centimeter per steradian at 555 nm, a radiometric spectral radiance unit, into stilb, an older CGS photometric luminance unit. It assists in comparing radiometric measurements aligned with human visual sensitivity to traditional photometric scales.
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 input unit as watt/sq. cm/steradian at 555 nm
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Choose stilb [sb] as the target output unit
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Execute the conversion to get the equivalent luminance in stilb
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Use the result to compare or translate photometric measurements accordingly
Key Features
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Converts luminance from watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) to stilb [sb]
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Based on precise spectral measurement at the photopic peak (555 nm)
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Relates modern radiometric units to historic CGS luminance units
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Supports optical metrology and vision science research needs
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Facilitates interpretation of legacy photometric data
Examples
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2 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) equals 1366 stilb [sb]
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0.5 watt/sq. cm/steradian (at 555 nm) equals 341.5 stilb [sb]
Common Use Cases
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Characterizing spectral radiance of light sources or displays at the photopic peak
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Converting radiometric radiance to photometric luminance using human eye sensitivity at 555 nm
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Specifying or comparing LED and lamp outputs in optical metrology and photometric testing
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Interpreting historical photometric data reported in CGS units
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Describing luminance of bright laboratory sources or reflective surfaces in older research
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure the spectral measurement is exactly at 555 nm for accurate conversion
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Use this conversion when relating radiometric quantities to legacy photometric units
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Be aware that stilb is a CGS unit; further conversion may be needed for SI unit alignment
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Apply the tool in contexts matching the defined wavelength and measurement conditions
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Cross-check converted results when comparing with modern photometric values
Limitations
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Accuracy depends on measurement being precisely at 555 nm wavelength
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Stilb is an older CGS unit; most current work uses candela per square meter (cd/m²)
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Conversion applicability is limited when spectral power distribution varies significantly
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Measurement geometry differences may cause errors if not accounted for
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Further unit conversions might be necessary for contemporary photometric applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the wavelength 555 nm important in this conversion?
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555 nm corresponds to the photopic peak of human visual sensitivity, aligning radiometric measurements with how the human eye perceives light.
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What is a stilb and where is it used?
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A stilb is a CGS photometric unit of luminance equal to 10,000 candela per square meter, often used historically to describe light source brightness and surface luminance.
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Can I use this tool for wavelengths other than 555 nm?
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This conversion assumes measurements at exactly 555 nm; using it for other wavelengths may lead to inaccuracies.
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 unit projected area and solid angle at 555 nm wavelength.
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Stilb [sb]
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A CGS photometric luminance unit equal to 10,000 candela per square meter used to quantify luminous intensity per unit area.
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Photopic Peak
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The wavelength near 555 nm where the human eye's sensitivity to light is maximal under well-lit conditions.