Luminous Intensity Converter
Luminous intensity is a measure of the wavelength-weighted power emitted by a light source in a particular direction per unit solid angle. The SI unit of luminous intensity is the candela (cd).
Luminous Intensity Converter
Convert between different units of luminous intensity
About Luminous Intensity Units
Luminous intensity is primarily measured in candela (cd), but other units include:
- Candela (cd): The SI unit of luminous intensity
- Candlepower (cp): A historical unit approximately equal to the candela
- Hefnerkerze (HK): A historical German unit, approximately 0.9 candela
- Lumen/steradian (lm/sr): Equivalent to the candela
Historical Context
The candela was originally defined as the luminous intensity of a standard candle. Modern definitions are more precise, defining the candela in terms of the power of light at a specific frequency.
Common Applications
Luminous intensity measurements are important in:
- Lighting design and engineering
- Automotive headlight specifications
- Flashlight and spotlight manufacturing
- Theatrical and stage lighting
- Aviation and navigation lighting