Full Spectrum Light Source

The problem with artificial light sources is that they do not produce a full spectrum of visible light.

Full spectrum light source.

Artificial light sources will inevitably fall short of 100 replicating natural daylight but the degree to which a full spectrum light source comes close to natural daylight plays a significant role in determining its effectiveness. Used as either a sole light source indoor or supplementary greenhouses leds help plants grow using full spectrum lighting at a lower cost than traditional hps lamps 1. Full spectrum light is light that covers the electromagnetic spectrum from infrared to near ultraviolet or all wavelengths that are useful to plant or animal life. Light sources promoted as full spectrum can cost over ten times as much as nearly identical products that do not bear the full spectrum claim.

Figure 1 shows the spds of two electric light sources claimed to be full spectrum the duro test vita lite 5500 fluorescent lamp and ge reveal 60w incandescent lamp as well as daylight at 5500k correlated color temperature cct. The sources that produce nearly a full spectrum are being phased out for environmentalist reasons. In particular sunlight is considered full spectrum even though the solar spectral distribution reaching earth changes with time of day latitude and atmospheric conditions. Truly full spectrum light sources by virtue of being similar to natural daylight must have a very high cri and color temperature between 4000k and 6500k to be considered a true full spectrum light source.

Some full spectrum light sources are also marketed as emitting ultraviolet uv radiation as well as visible light. Waveform lighting s absolute series led lamps have up to 99 cri ra. Full spectrum light attempts to mitigate the effects of lacking natural daylight exposure. Under his definition a full spectrum light source contained both visible and invisible color wavelengths of light.

Key shopping considerations for grow lights cool warm and full spectrum. Grow lights are labeled with numbers like 2 500k or 6 500k which tells you the temperature of the light according to the. Full spectrum is not a technical term when applied to. Manufacturers of full spectrum light sources have claimed a variety of benefits for their products including better visibility improved color rendering better health and greater productivity.

Daylight lamps were developed based on the need to simulate daylight for health reasons in people who were denied exposure to the sun. Many growers take advantage of led lights to help scale plant production due to their full light spectrum capabilities low heat waste and maintenance and extended lifespan.