illuminance
Light per area
Illuminance is the amount of light falling on a surface, measured in lux or foot-candles.
It quantifies how much a surface is lit, distinct from how bright the light source itself is.
The illuminance at your desk should be at least 500 lux for comfortable reading.
The term belongs to lighting design, photography, and physics.
SI illuminance unit
- candelaLuminous intensity unit
- photometerDevice measuring illumination levels
- photometryMeasuring light intensity
- luminanceLight per unit area
irradiance · scotopic · calibration · sensor
Attached building component
- LEDSemiconductor that glows
- fluorescentEmitting light when energized
- incandescentGlowing from heat
- halogenSalt-producing element group
chandelier · sconce · lantern · pendant · recessed · track · ambient · task
Steady, soft light
- radianceGlowing luminous quality
- shineEmit or reflect light
- gleamFaint reflected light
- shimmerTremulous, wavering light
luster · sheen · luminosity · brilliance · intensity · glare · dazzle · softness
State of being understandable
- legibilityClearness of text
- readabilityEase of understanding text
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- distinctnessQuality of being distinguishable
perception · discernment · recognition · contrast · resolution · detection · observation · comfort
lux
SI illuminance unit
- candelaLuminous intensity unit
- photometerDevice measuring illumination levels
- photometryMeasuring light intensity
luminance · irradiance · scotopic · calibration · sensor
fixture
Attached building component
- LEDSemiconductor that glows
- fluorescentEmitting light when energized
- incandescentGlowing from heat
halogen · chandelier · sconce · lantern · pendant · recessed · track · ambient · task · accent
glow
Steady, soft light
shimmer · luster · sheen · luminosity · brilliance · intensity · glare · dazzle · softness · dimness
clarity
State of being understandable
- legibilityClearness of text
- readabilityEase of understanding text
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
distinctness · perception · discernment · recognition · contrast · resolution · detection · observation · comfort · safety