Lambert (unit) explained

The lambert (symbol L, la or Lb) is a non-SI metric unit of luminance named for Johann Heinrich Lambert (1728–1777), a Swiss mathematician, physicist and astronomer. A related unit of luminance, the foot-lambert, is used in the lighting, cinema and flight simulation industries. The SI unit is the candela per square metre (cd/m²).

Definition

1 lambert (L) =

(1)/(\pi) candela per square centimetre (0.3183 cd/cm²) or (10 ^{4})/(\pi) cd m⁻²

See also

Other units of luminance:

• Apostilb (asb)
• Blondel (blondel)
• Bril (bril)
• Nit (nit)
• Stilb (sb)
• Skot (sk)

References

• "Lighting Design Glossary: Luminance" at Schorsch Lighting Design Knowledgebase