A Tutorial on Photometric Dimensions and Units

George Joblove

Numerous units are used to measure light, representing a variety of photometric dimensions. In the study of image capture, reproduction, and display, the differences between these various dimensions are important but often a source of confusion. This tutorial enumerates and describes these dimensions and their corresponding units, and explains their appropriate applicability and usage. These dimensions include luminous energy, luminous power, luminous intensity, illuminance, luminance, and luminous exposure. The SI base unit candela is explained, and the derivations of the SI units for the other photometric dimensions are described. An example is provided for the case of sunlight.

Published
2014-10
Content type
Original Research
Keywords
Photometry, photometric units, dimensions, tutorial
DOI
10.5594/M001568
ISBN
978-1-61482-954-6