Full Spectrum | Difference in Spectral Distribution from Fluorescent Lamps

When searching for lighting, you might come across the term "full spectrum." While it sounds good, many people wonder what exactly makes it different.

This article will explain what full spectrum is from the perspective of spectral power distribution.

Light has "color components"

Even if two lights appear to be the same "white light," the amount of each color component included within them (spectral power distribution) can differ depending on the light source. Sunlight has a "continuous spectrum," containing all the colors of the rainbow continuously. Full-spectrum light has a continuous spectral power distribution that closely resembles sunlight.

Differences from 3-wavelength fluorescent lamps and LEDs

Conventional 3-wavelength fluorescent lamps create "white light" by strongly emitting specific wavelengths of red, green, and blue light. While efficient, their spectral power distribution has peaks and valleys, differing from that of sunlight. Full-spectrum light aims to reduce these peaks and valleys, achieving a smoother distribution closer to sunlight.

Spectral power distribution affects how colors are perceived

A continuous spectral power distribution close to sunlight also leads to a high color rendering index (Ra). The more evenly distributed the "color components" are, the more naturally objects' colors will appear. For more on color rendering, please also read The Key to Readable Light is Color Rendering.

In the case of lipro

Our Sunlight Ceiling Light uses a light source (Powered by SunLike) that aims for a spectral power distribution close to sunlight, achieving a color rendering index of Ra97+. It aims to provide a visual experience close to sunlight, with the continuous inclusion of all rainbow colors.

Summary | Full spectrum is about the "shape of the distribution" similar to sunlight

Full spectrum is not about brightness, but about the "shape of the light's components." A continuous spectral power distribution close to sunlight leads to natural color perception.