Definition

radiant intensity

Part of the IT standards and organizations glossary:

Radiant intensity is a quantitative expression of the brilliance of a source of electromagnetic (EM) energy over the entire electromagnetic spectrum . This quantity is measured in terms of the power emitted per unit solid angle from an isotropic radiator, a theoretical point source that radiates equally in all directions in three-dimensional space.

Next Steps

The standard unit of radiant intensity is the watt per steradian (W/sr or W ? sr -1 ). For a theoretical point source, 1 W/sr is equivalent to 4 p (approximately 12.5664) W of total radiated power at all wavelengths.

Compare luminous flux . Also see electromagnetic field , watt per steradian , International System of Units ( SI ), and Table of Physical Units .

This was last updated in September 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • watt per steradian

    - The watt per steradian (W · sr -1) is the standard unit of radiant intensity. (WhatIs.com)

  • luminous flux

    - Luminous flux is a quantitative expression of the brilliance of a source of visible light, which is electromagnetic energy within the wavelength range of approximately 390 nanometers (nm) to 770 nm. (WhatIs.com)

  • inverse-square law

    - The inverse-square law is a principle that expresses the way radiant energy propagates through space. (WhatIs.com)

Glossaries

  • IT standards and organizations

    - Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.

  • Internet applications

    - This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet applications, including definitions about Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery models and words and phrases about web sites, e-commerce ...

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.