Light Measurement
In the realm of light measurement, two prominent tools often come to the fore: photometers and spectral light meters. While both instruments are essential for assessing various properties of light, they serve distinct purposes and operate on different principles.
To choose the proper lighy measurement instrument user should understand the fundamental differences between photometers and spectral light meters, exploring their unique functionalities, applications, and the contexts in which each is most effectively used.
Applications
Photometers are ideal for general lighting assessments
Spectral light meters are used for detailed spectral analysis and color-related applications.
Measurement Focus
Photometers measure overall light intensity
Spectral light meters analyze the distribution of light across different wavelengths
Complexity and Cost
Photometers are simpler and more affordable
Spectral light meters are more complex and typically more expensive.
| Radiometric Quantity | Radiometric Unit | Photometric Quantity | Photometric Unit |
| Irradiance | W/m2 | Illuminance | lux |
| Radiance | W/(sr.m2) | Luminance | cd/m2 |
| Radiant intensity | W/sr | Luminous intensity | cd |
| Radiant flux | W | Luminous flux | lumens |
Explore our offer for Photometry
Our partners in this category
Other brands in this category
Spectral Measurement of Light (Photometry)
Photometry focuses on how humans perceive light in terms of brightness and color appearance. It uses a luminosity function (V(λ)) that accounts for human eye sensitivity to different wavelengths.
Photometry is vital for lighting design and ensuring appropriate brightness levels in various environments.
Key photometric quantities include:
- Luminous Flux: Total amount of visible light emitted by a source, measured in lumens.
- Illumination: Amount of visible light falling onto a surface, measured in lux.
For more detailed analysis, refer to our blog post
