Lumens are a unit of measurement used to quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. It is a measure of the brightness or luminous flux of a light source, indicating how much light is actually perceived by the human eye.
To put it simply, lumens measure the "amount" of light produced by a light bulb, lamp, or any other light-emitting device. The higher the lumen value, the brighter the light output. In other words, lumens provide an objective measurement of the intensity of visible light.
It's worth noting that while lumens measure the total light output, they do not account for the distribution of light or how it is perceived by individuals. Factors such as beam angle, color temperature, and the quality of light can influence how bright a light source appears to the human eye, even if the lumen count is the same.
Lumens are commonly used when comparing and selecting light bulbs, LED lights, projectors, and other lighting fixtures, as they provide a standardized measure to evaluate brightness across different products.
What Is Luminous Flux?
Luminous flux, also known as luminous power or luminous energy, is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It quantifies the rate at which light energy is radiated and perceived by the human eye. The unit of luminous flux is the lumen (lm).
The concept of luminous flux takes into account the sensitivity of the human eye to different wavelengths of light. It is based on the luminosity function, which represents the eye's response to different wavelengths. This function assigns different weights to different wavelengths, with peak sensitivity occurring around the green-yellow region of the spectrum.
Luminous flux is distinct from radiant flux, which measures the total power emitted by a light source across all wavelengths, including those that are not visible to the human eye.
Luminous flux provides a more relevant measure for evaluating the perceived brightness of a light source, as it considers the eye's sensitivity.
To put it simply, luminous flux tells you how much light is emitted by a source, while luminous intensity tells you how bright the light appears at a particular point.
How to Measure Lumens?
Lumens are a unit of measurement used to quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. To measure lumens, you can use a device called a light meter or lux meter. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure lumens:
Obtain a light meter: Purchase or borrow a light meter or lux meter. These devices are specifically designed to measure the intensity of light in lumens or lux.
Set up the meter: Turn on the light meter and ensure it is set to measure lumens or lux, depending on the capabilities of your device. Lux is a unit of measurement that corresponds to lumens per square meter, so it can be used interchangeably in most cases.
Position the light meter: Place the light meter in the area where you want to measure the lumens. Make sure the sensor on the meter is facing the light source directly.
Adjust the distance: If your light meter has a range or distance setting, adjust it according to the specifications of the meter and the characteristics of the light source. Some meters may require a specific distance to provide accurate readings.
Take the measurement: Press the measurement button on the light meter to capture the reading. The display on the meter will indicate the measured lumens or lux.
Repeat the measurements: For more accurate results, it is advisable to take multiple measurements at different locations within the area you are evaluating. This will help you obtain an average value and ensure the consistency of the lighting.
Which Instruments Are Used for Lumen Measurement?
Instruments commonly used for lumen measurement, particularly in the field of lighting, include:
Photometer: A photometer is a device used to measure the intensity of light. It typically consists of a light sensor and a display unit. Photometers are commonly used to measure luminous flux, which is the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.
Lux meter: A lux meter, also known as an illuminance meter, is used to measure the illuminance level in lux. Lux is a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light falling on a surface. Lux meters are often handheld devices and are widely used in various applications, such as evaluating lighting conditions in workplaces, photography, and outdoor lighting assessments.
Integrating sphere: An integrating sphere is a hollow spherical structure coated internally with a highly reflective material. It is commonly used for measuring the total luminous flux emitted by a light source. The light from the source enters the sphere and undergoes multiple reflections, resulting in an even distribution of light within the sphere. A photodetector placed at a designated port of the sphere measures the total flux.
Spectroradiometer: A spectroradiometer is an instrument that measures the spectral power distribution (SPD) of a light source. It provides detailed information about the intensity of light at various wavelengths across the visible spectrum. From the spectral data, various metrics such as color temperature, color rendering index (CRI), and other color-related parameters can be derived.
Goniospectroradiometer: A goniospectroradiometer combines the capabilities of a spectroradiometer and a goniophotometer. It measures the spectral and angular distribution of light from a source, allowing the characterization of how light is emitted in different directions. This instrument is especially useful for studying the angular-dependent properties of lighting products, such as beam patterns and light distribution curves.