Natural sunlight is full-spectrum light that covers the electromagnetic spectrum from infrared light to ultraviolet light. Full-spectrum lighting affects all plants and living organisms. The electromagnetic spectrum is the entire distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to frequency or wavelength. Electromagnetic radiation includes visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays. According to Britannica.com, the electromagnetic spectrum comprises the span of all electromagnetic radiation and consists of many subranges, commonly referred to as portions, such as visible light or ultraviolet radiation. From the lowest to the highest frequency (longest to shortest wavelength), the entire electromagnetic spectrum includes all radio waves (e.g., commercial radio and television, microwaves, radar), infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.
The Visible Light Spectrum
The wavelength of light, related to frequency and energy, determines the perceived color. The color ranges are listed in the table below and are somewhat approximate as they blend into each other. The edges of the visible light spectrum integrate into the ultraviolet and infrared levels of radiation.
| Red | Orange | Yellow | Green | Blue | Indigo | Violet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength (nm) | 625-740 | 590-625 | 565-590 | 520-565 | 445-520 | 425-445 | 380-425 |
| Frequency (THz) | 480-405 | 510-480 | 530-510 | 580-530 | 675-580 | 700-675 | 790-700 |
Some animals have a visible range that extends into the infrared spectrum (wavelength greater than 700 nanometers) or ultraviolet (less than 380 nanometers). Bees can see ultraviolet light, which flowers use to attract pollinators. Birds also can see ultraviolet light.
What are Full Spectrum LED Grow Lights?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) grow lights are specialized LEDs with full-spectrum lighting designed to aid photosynthesis, allowing plants to grow with little or no natural sunlight.
Full spectrum grow lights allow growers to harness the color spectrums that plants use to germinate, grow, flower and fruit to increase yields and speed grow times. LEDs have no filament, meaning they are not susceptible to burning out. LED lighting has fewer maintenance and repair costs, such as replacing bulbs as you would with old lighting technologies. HPS or metal halide bulbs may last up to 20,000 hours; most LED chips are rated 100,000 hours. LEDs also hold their brightness much longer. LED grow lights have a higher efficiency rating than HID grow lights. LED grow lights do not create nearly as much heat as HID grow lights, which lowers the overall electricity consumption costs while still offering a powerful lighting option. LED full spectrum grow lights deliver light similar to the sun, providing the necessary light for all types of indoor crops.