LHRC Releases Version 2.0 of Circadian Stimulus Calculator

LDS LHRC Calculator 400

September 21, 2021

The Light and Health Research Center (LHRC) at Mount Sinai has released an extensively revised version of its free, openaccess circadian stimulus (CS) calculator based on recent advances in the understanding of light’s effects on the human circadian system. As with earlier incarnations of the tool created when LHRC researchers were based at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, the CS Calculator version 2.0 is designed to help lighting professionals quantify potential circadian-effective light exposures in architectural spaces.

Building on the previous tool’s capability for calculating CS levels from multiple sources and enhanced functionality for displaying results, CS Calculator version 2.0 now features:

• Addition of exposure duration, with times apportioned in 15-minute increments

• Refined accuracy of CS predictions for narrowband sources

• Availability of CIE α-opic irradiances in the output metrics

• Upload/download capability in TXT and JSON formats

• User interface improvements

• Backwards compatibility with older versions of the CS Calculator

• Bug fixes

Lighting professionals can use the CS Calculator 2.0 to compare the effectiveness of various light sources and light levels for stimulating the circadian system based on the circadian light (CLA) and CS metrics. CLA characterizes the spectral sensitivity of the circadian phototransduction circuits in the human retina and CS reflects their operating characteristics, from threshold to saturation. CS is, therefore, postulated to be a measure of the effectiveness of optical radiation incident on the retina for stimulating the master biological clock.

The CS metric was developed by LHRC from biophysical research and retinal neurophysiology, as most recently articulated in two major scholarly articles detailing the neuroanatomical and computational models of circadian phototransduction, formulated by LHRC researchers and published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. LHRC researchers have pioneered applications of the CS metric to reduce depression and agitation in persons living with dementia, improve sleep and mood in office workers, and promote entrainment in U.S. Navy submariners.

The LHRC has also developed a documentation webpage with information on how to use the calculator, the math and science behind the results, and much more.

The CS Calculator 2.0 can be found at: https://cscalc.light-health.org/

Documentation on the calculator can be found at: https://docs.light-health.org/cscalc

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    In infrastructure projects, the size and scale of outdoor lighting fixtures are critical—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality, safety, and long-term performance. Whether lighting a streetscape, transit hub, or civic plaza, appropriately scaled fixtures help create environments that are both visually coherent and effectively illuminated. Public lighting plays a role in shaping how spaces… Read More…

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO’s LED T12 ballast compatible lamps are direct replacements for T12 linear fluorescent. Offered in a frosted white finish, these lamps are also PET coated and NSF rated. Conveniently sold in two-packs, these lamps make replacing traditional tubes an easy choice. Suggested applications include shop light fixtures, laundry room, utility closets, and garages. Read More…

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…