Luminance is an important concept that allows us to understand how we perceive lighting in the spaces we live in. It is very important because it affects our visual comfort, especially in the places where we are most often, i.e. at home, at work, etc. In the following article, we will take a closer look at this phenomenon, explaining exactly what luminance is and how to measure it correctly. We will also answer the question whether luminance is the same as brightness?
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What is light luminance?
Luminance of light is a physical quantity that describes the amount of light emitted, reflected or transmitted by a given surface. The most important measurement here is luminance, which allows determining how much of it is noticeable to the human eye.
Luminance therefore determines the intensity with which light reaches the observer from a specific direction. This parameter is of great importance because it determines the quality and intensity of lighting. It is invaluable for assessing visual comfort and the level of eye fatigue.
The unit of luminance is candela per square meter (cd/m²), its value depends not only on the light source , but also on the properties of the reflecting surface. Let's take the example of a white and dark wall. If they are illuminated to the same extent, the luminance value will be different. Namely, a dark surface reflects light better, so it has a higher luminance.
The reflective properties of the object's surface are of such key importance. It is no coincidence that luminance is of great importance in interior lighting design, where the light intensity determines the comfort of staying in such a place. The number of lumens should be particularly well selected in offices or workplaces.
How to properly measure luminance in light?
As we already know, lumens have a great influence on how light reaches a given surface. Therefore, in order to ensure visual comfort in various spaces, so that excessive light does not tire, you need to know how to properly measure luminance in light. This task is performed using specialized devices called luminance meters. They help in the important observation of measuring the amount of light reflected by a surface towards the observer.
To measure it correctly, we should properly position the luminance meter towards the surface whose luminance we want to check. It is crucial to measure light in real lighting conditions, so that the result obtained will reflect the real conditions in which a given surface is perceived. It is also important to eliminate other light sources, because they can interfere with the measurement.
Is the luminance of light the same as brightness?
Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different phenomena. Luminance is a physical quantity that describes the amount of light reflected or emitted by a given surface. It is an objective value that can be precisely measured.
Brightness is the subjective perception of light intensity perceived by the human eye. So, what is very bright for one person may not be so bright for another. The brain interprets light differently depending on individual sensitivity and the environment.
Luminance of light is therefore a very important parameter that determines the lighting comfort in a given place. When designing such a space, we must remember this, choosing not only attractive lighting fixtures , but also selecting the amount of light to suit the needs.