A Tutorial on Photometric Dimensions and Units

George H. 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 Système International d’Unités (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.

Print ISSN
Electronic ISSN
2160-2492
Published
2015-07
Content type
Original Research
Keywords
photometry, dimensions, units
DOI
10.5594/j18576