Convert lumen/square centimeter to meter-candle [m*c] Online | Free lllumination Converter

Measuring Light Intensity on Small Surfaces

Lumen per square centimeter (lm/cm²) is a unit of illuminance, indicating the amount of luminous flux (light) incident on a surface area of one square centimeter. This measurement is particularly useful when dealing with very small or precise areas, such as in microscopy, small-scale lighting applications, or scientific experiments where accurate light measurement on tiny surfaces is critical.

Since one square centimeter is much smaller than one square meter, lm/cm² is a much finer scale than the more commonly used lux (lumens per square meter). To convert, 1 lm/cm² equals 10,000 lux, meaning it measures illuminance at a much higher resolution.

In practice, this unit helps scientists and engineers evaluate how much light is delivered to microscopic samples, the surface of tiny sensors, or small electronic components. It ensures that light-sensitive processes receive the correct intensity for optimal performance.

Understanding lumen per square centimeter is essential in fields requiring precise light control and measurement, allowing better design and assessment of optical systems and lighting solutions at a microscopic scale.

A Traditional Unit of Illuminance

The meter-candle (m·c) is a historical unit of illuminance that measures the luminous flux falling on a surface area of one square meter from a uniform point source with an intensity of one candlepower (now replaced by the candela) placed one meter away. It was used primarily before the international adoption of the lux as the standard unit for illuminance.

One meter-candle is roughly equivalent to one lux, since lux is defined as lumens per square meter. However, the meter-candle historically provided a more intuitive measure of illuminance based on the distance from a known light source, which was practical for early lighting calculations and designs.

While the meter-candle is largely obsolete today, replaced by the lux in most scientific and engineering applications, it remains a useful reference when interpreting older lighting standards, manuals, and specifications.

Understanding the meter-candle helps in grasping the evolution of lighting measurement units and appreciating the advances in photometric science that have led to more precise and standardized units.