Lux meter

Lux ?
The lux is the unit of illuminance
in the International System of
Units . It is defined in terms
oflumen per meter square .
Reduced to SI base units, one lux
is equal to 0.00146 kilogram per
second cube (1.46 x 10-3kg /
s3).

Lux meter?
Lux meters, sometimes called light
meters, measure the intensity of
illumination asdistinguished by the
human eye. This value does not
correlate to an objective value of
energy radiated or reflected, as
different wavelengths within the
visible spectrumare perceived with
varying sensitivity by the eye, and lux
meters
evaluate
light
intensity
inconsideration of this variable.

Operation
Most lux meters register brightness with
an integratedphoto detector. The photo
detector is positioned perpendicular to the
light source for optimal exposure many
lux meters use an articulated or tethered
photo detector for this purpose.
Readouts are presented to the user via
analog instrument or digital LCD. Digital
types often include basic operator inputs.
Many
digital
types
cansave
measurements and have an adjustable
detection range.

 Photo detectors composed of selenium or

silicon
determine
brightness
photovoltaically.
Generated current is proportional to the
photons received.
Silicon-based detectors need to amplify
the voltage generated by light exposure.

Selenium-based
detectors
convert
photons to a high enough voltage
thatthey be directly connected to a
galvanometer,
but
have
difficulty
determining lux measurements for light

 Photo
detectors
that
measure
brightness via photo resistance are
composed of a ceramic substrate
doped withcadmium sulfide.
An electronic switching current is
supplied to the cell and resistance
increases as more photons are
detected
to
ultimatelyprovide
a
proportional
readout.Legislation
curtails the availability of cadmium
devices in certain territories.

Analog type

Without tether

Specifications
Cosine correction: light entering the
photo detector at anangle can refract
and cause ameasurementerror. Some
photo
detectors
correct
for
this
misreading.
Range: the dynamic detection range of
the light meter, expressed in lux or foot
candles. Many meters offer the user an
adjustable detection scale.
.

 Resolution: the minimal interval

between readout numerals, usually
adjustable based on measurement
scale.
Operating
temperature:
maximumambient temperature to
ensure effective operation. Many
photo detectors will be permanently
damaged above 120 F.
Accuracy: the tolerance of meter
readouts; most meters range between
3-7%. Regular calibration minimizes
tolerances,
and
laboratory
and

Features
Auto-of: electronic models usually
incorporate an automated power-down
feature if the device is left idle.
Backlit:
the
LCD
display
uses
backlighting
to
enable
lowlightmeasurementreading.
Battery indicator:low battery output
can cause fluctuations in reading. It is
recommended
to
measuresamples
twice,with interval, to compare results.
Hold: the user is able tolock-in or savea

 Filters: internal or external mechanisms can

remove certain wavelengths, such as black
light,from the measurement that would skew
the result
Outdoor: meter is suitable for outdoor
applications,
which
experience
the
greatestdifferences in light intensity and
environmental variables.
Over-range indicator: the meter informs the
user the current detection scale is inadequate.
Memory:an internal or external memory
option allows users to store measurements.
USB: a USB port allows the device to interface
with computers, and may be used to recharge
the battery.

Location
Office

Factory

Hotel

Merchant

Hospital

School

Application

Lux levels (lx)

Conference room

250-700

Personal workspace

700-2000

Packaging line

150-300

Production line

300-750

Q/A

750-1500

Electronics assembly

1500-3000

Guest room

100-200

Public areas

220-1000

Corridors/stairs

150-200

Interior

750-1500

Window display

1500-3000

Waiting/lobby

100-200

Exam room

300-750

Procedure room

750-1500

Auditorium/gym

100-300

Classroom

200-750

Laboratory/library

500-1500

Resources

NISTUnit of luminous intensity (candel

a
)
OlinoMeasuring Illuminance Correctly
EC&MThe Value of a Good Light Meter
AdafruitMeasuring Light
AidetekLX1010B manual (.pdf)
WikipediaLux;Light meter
Dark to LightCadmium Sulfide vs.
Silicon

 Thank you