SI defining luminous efficacy
A specified frequency fixes the photometric SI reference.
Key knowledge
The luminous efficacy K_cd of monochromatic radiation at frequency 540 × 10¹² Hz is exactly 683 lm W⁻¹ in the SI definition.
Reference values
K_cd683lm W⁻¹
Exact value · SI definitionValues and equations
K_cd = 683 lm W⁻¹ at f = 540 × 10¹² Hz
- K_cd
- Defining luminous efficacy at the specified frequency lm W⁻¹
- f
- Specified radiation frequency Hz
Conditions and scope
- The exact value refers to the specified monochromatic frequency and photometric convention.
- It is not the wall-plug efficiency of a lamp or a universal conversion at every wavelength.
Sources · 5
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)3 sources
- SI defining constantsBureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)Reference guide
- The International System of Units, ninth edition, version 4.01 (2026)Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)Reference guide
- The International System of Units, 9th edition, version 4.01 (2026)Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)Reference guide
- Meet the ConstantsNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Reference guide
- 国際単位系(SI)第9版 · Japanese translation, V3.01National Metrology Institute of Japan, AISTReference guide · PDF
Evidence and review
SI Brochure 2.2 and candela definition 2.3.1, specifying frequency and luminous-flux/radiant-power relation.
2026-10-10 · Exact defining value, frequency and unit only; practical photometric realization remains outside scope.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Kcd is exactly 683 lm/W for monochromatic radiation at 540×10^12 Hz.
The defining frequency matters; this is not a lamp’s electrical efficiency or an unqualified spectral maximum.
National Metrology Institute of Japan, AIST
- 国際単位系(SI)第9版 · Japanese translation, V3.01 JapanJapaneseShared standard
2.2 Table1; 2.3.1 Candela, pp19–20
- 国際単位系(SI)第9版 · Japanese translation, V3.01
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- si-luminous-efficacy
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- SI