Luminance

Luminance, in photometry, measures the luminous intensity per unit area of light emitted or reflected from a surface. It quantifies how bright a surface appears to the human eye, taking into account the intensity of light and the area it covers. luminance is crucial in display technology, lighting design, and vision science, providing a metric for evaluating brightness perception and the performance of light sources. Measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m²), it directly relates to perceived brightness.

Luminance meaning with examples

• The new OLED TV boasts a significantly higher luminance than the older model, resulting in a more vibrant and detailed picture. The increase in brightness is immediately noticeable during HDR content viewing and improves overall contrast ratio and color representation, enhancing the viewing experience. Its higher peak luminance values translate to more realistic rendering.
• In the field of architecture, the design incorporates strategic placement of windows to maximize natural luminance, creating a brighter and more inviting interior space. This technique reduces the need for artificial lighting, increasing energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room.
• Researchers are studying the effects of varying luminance levels on human visual perception, investigating how different brightness settings impact visual acuity. This data provides valuable insights for developing ergonomic displays and lighting schemes that minimize eye strain and maximize visual comfort, promoting productivity and well-being.
• When calibrating a computer monitor, you often adjust the luminance to achieve optimal color accuracy and image clarity. Fine-tuning luminance is essential to ensure the display properly represents the intended colors and shades, enabling more precise graphic design and video editing work, preventing washed-out or overly bright images.