Candela per square metre

Candela per square metre

The candela per square metre (cd/m²) is a unit of measurement used in the field of photometry to quantify the luminance or brightness of a surface. It represents the amount of luminous intensity emitted or reflected by a surface per unit area.

Definition

The candela per square metre is defined as the luminous intensity per unit projected area of a surface. It is derived from the candela (cd), which is the base unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units (SI), and the square metre (m²), which is the base unit of area.

Calculation

To calculate the candela per square metre, the luminous intensity of a light source or the luminous flux reflected by a surface is divided by the area of the surface. The resulting value represents the luminance or brightness of the surface in candela per square metre.

Applications

The candela per square metre is commonly used in various applications where the measurement of brightness is important. Some of the notable applications include:

1. Display Technology: In the field of display technology, the candela per square metre is used to measure the brightness of screens, such as LCD and LED displays. It helps in determining the quality and visibility of the displayed content.

2. Lighting Design: In lighting design, the candela per square metre is used to specify the desired luminance levels for different areas. It helps in achieving the desired lighting effects and creating visually appealing environments.

3. Automotive Lighting: The automotive industry uses the candela per square metre to measure the brightness of vehicle headlights and taillights. It ensures that the lights meet the required safety standards and provide sufficient visibility on the road.

See Also

• Candela
• Luminous Intensity
• Luminance
• Photometry