Luminance Meter

Luminance Meter

Luminance is a photometric measurement of the luminous intensity of light travelling in a given direction. In other words, it describes the amount of light that passes through or is emitted from a particular area at a particular solid angle. This type of measurement is especially useful because it quantifies the properties of light that the human eye actually perceives. Measuring these quantities of light is essential, for example, for TV studios, sports arenas, emergency situation lighting, traffic lighting, and automobile lighting.

• Measuring Method. Luminance meters can measure either with contact or from a distance. Many can perform both but some can only do one or the other, so choose wisely based on your needs
• Measuring Modes. Luminance meters can measure several attributes of luminance. Typically units can measure luminance, luminance ratio, and peak luminance/luminance ratio. However, some units can measure more; for example, Dranetz offers a meter thatcan measure 5 different modes
• Luminance Range. This is simply the range of values a luminance meter can measure. This range differs depending on measuring angle. Certain Minoltameters can measure up to 999,900cd/m^²; this is relatively high compared to other meters

What is Radiometry?
Radiometry is a broad field encompassing all techniques for measuring electromagnetic radiation, including the measure of visible light. These techniques measure the distribution of the radiation’s power in space. This field includes photometry, which more specifically measures attributes of electromagnetic energy that are visible to the human eye. Instruments in this category address both the broad and more specific attributes of light these fields cover.