NL-1 Luminance and Illuminance Meter
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | NL-1 |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The NL-1 Luminance and Illuminance Meter is a precision optical measurement instrument engineered for quantitative evaluation of luminance (cd/m²), chromaticity coordinates (x, y; u”, v”), correlated color temperature (CCT), and Duv deviation in display technologies and general lighting sources. Designed in strict accordance with JIS Z 8724 — the Japanese Industrial Standard for colorimetric measurement of light sources — the NL-1 employs a silicon photodiode sensor with CIE 1931 standard observer spectral response correction and V(λ) luminous efficiency filtering. Its optical architecture supports high-fidelity photometric and colorimetric characterization of emissive devices including LCDs, OLEDs, PDPs, LED backlights, CRT monitors, and fluorescent and white LED lamps. The instrument operates on fundamental principles of tristimulus colorimetry, where incident radiation is spectrally weighted and resolved into X, Y, Z tristimulus values via calibrated interference filters and detector response compensation algorithms.
Key Features
- Simultaneous measurement of luminance (0.10–99,990 cd/m²) and full chromaticity parameters: CIE 1931 (x, y), CIE 1960 UCS (u”, v”), and CIE 1976 L*u*v* (L*, u*, v*)
- Built-in CCT and Duv calculation with automatic selection among three pre-programmed illuminant compensation modes: Standard A (incandescent), filtered tri-phosphor fluorescent, and CRT phosphor emission profiles
- Statistical analysis functions: real-time calculation and display of mean, max, min, and standard deviation across up to eight sequential measurements
- Reference-based deviation visualization: color difference displayed relative to user-defined reference point in four coordinate systems (x,y; u”,v”; L*u*v*; ΔE*ab)
- On-device calibration offset adjustment: enables traceable correction using user-specified reference source or factory-calibrated standard lamp
- Compact handheld form factor (67 × 40 × 260 mm), weighing only 0.38 kg with integrated 9 V alkaline battery or optional AC adapter
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NL-1 is validated for use across flat-panel displays (LCD, OLED, PDP), cathode-ray tubes (CRT), and broadband/narrowband solid-state and gas-discharge light sources. Its measurement geometry conforms to JIS Z 8724 requirements for directional luminance assessment at 50 mm working distance under controlled environmental conditions (23 ± 3°C, ≤70% RH). Chromaticity accuracy meets ±0.002 in x,y for standard illuminants and ±0.001 for tri-phosphor fluorescent sources under specified ambient conditions — performance verified against NIST-traceable standards. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, the device supports GLP-compliant workflows when used with documented calibration records and software audit trails.
Software & Data Management
An optional Windows-compatible color management software package enables bidirectional RS-232C communication for data logging, batch statistical reporting, and comparative analysis against internal or external reference sets. The software supports export to CSV and Excel formats, facilitates time-stamped measurement series, and maintains full audit trail metadata (operator ID, timestamp, instrument serial number, calibration date). When deployed in regulated environments, the software configuration can be aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through supplementary administrative controls (e.g., electronic signatures, role-based access, and change history logs), though native digital signature functionality is not embedded in the base firmware.
Applications
- Production-line quality control of display luminance uniformity and white-point stability
- Verification of backlight module consistency during LCD/OLED panel manufacturing
- Color matching and binning of LED emitters in lighting and signage applications
- Photometric validation of medical display systems per DICOM GSDF compliance protocols
- R&D evaluation of novel emissive materials and phosphor blends under standardized viewing conditions
- Calibration verification of integrating spheres and goniophotometers using reference sources
FAQ
What standards does the NL-1 comply with?
The NL-1 adheres to JIS Z 8724 for photometric and colorimetric measurement methodology, and its spectral response approximates CIE 1931 2° standard observer functions with V(λ) luminosity weighting.
Can the NL-1 measure illuminance (lux) as well as luminance (cd/m²)?
No — the NL-1 is optimized exclusively for luminance measurement of self-luminous surfaces; it does not include an incident-light cosine-corrected diffuser required for illuminance quantification.
Is factory recalibration required annually?
Yes — annual recalibration against traceable luminance and chromaticity standards is recommended to maintain stated accuracy specifications, particularly when used in ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality systems.
Does the instrument support USB connectivity?
No — data transfer is limited to RS-232C serial interface; USB-to-serial adapters may be used with compatible drivers.
Can custom illuminant spectra be loaded into the device?
No — only the three built-in illuminant models (Standard A, tri-phosphor fluorescent, CRT) are supported; spectral customization requires post-processing in the optional software.
