Full spectrum LEDs

In this blog article, we explain the special features of full spectrum LEDs, look at where these lights can be used and, of course, present products from our range.

Full spectrum LEDs are LED light sources which colour temperature is similar to natural sunlight. The products are also popularly known as daylight lights. The name full spectrum comes from the fact that these LEDs imitate the entire or full spectrum of natural sunlight. This is the biggest difference between full spectrum LEDs and conventional LED bulbs and lighting. The latter often only cover a limited part of the light spectrum. In contrast, full-spectrum LEDs emit light in a wide range of wavelengths.

Artificial full spectrum light has been around since the early 20th century. Its origin lies in military technology. At that time, the US Navy was looking for a practical solution to prevent crew illnesses in submarines caused by the lack of daylight. NASA played a crucial role in solving this problem by developing daylight fluorescent lamps with UV light. At that time, full-spectrum lights were very expensive and were only used in special applications. Over time, more and more people have become aware of the benefits of full-spectrum light and want to use it in their own homes or at work. The latest advances in this area are full spectrum LEDs. These have an exceptionally high colour rendering index and therefore emit a similar colour spectrum to natural sunlight.

The general term full spectrum light refers to the entire light spectrum of the sun that reaches us on earth. Full spectrum light has the highest colour rendering index 100 Ra which all colour shades and nuances are covered. Full spectrum light and also the full spectrum LEDs have short-wave ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. Both cannot be perceived by the human eye, but contribute to the fact that the light is very similar to that of the sun. In contrast to conventional artificial lighting such as incandescent bulbs, halogen or energy-saving lamps, which only provide brightness due to their limited light spectrum, full spectrum LEDs can produce the full spectrum of natural daylight with all its positive properties for the human organism.

Full spectrum LEDs provide natural light and are therefore suitable for a wide range of applications, for example in offices, warehouses & logistics, hospitals or educational institutions as well as for use at home. Full spectrum LEDs are particularly often used as a daylight substitute in shift work. Employees on night shift therefore benefit from the above-mentioned advantages of full spectrum LEDs. Because: unlike conventional artificial lighting systems, full spectrum LEDs in the form of daylight lights can help to support the human organism in a positive way. 

Thanks to the excellent colour rendering level, full spectrum LEDs can also be ideally used as shop lighting for retail and supermarkets. Here it is particularly important that goods, whether the latest fashion of the season or fresh fruit, are well illuminated.

Furthermore, full spectrum LEDs are often used to grow crops, ornamental plants, fruit and vegetables. As full spectrum light is provided in all wavelengths necessary for photosynthesis, plants can better extract energy from the light and thus grow more efficiently. In addition, full spectrum light promotes plant health: less etiolation (= plants are less stretched), reduction of diseases and strengthening of the roots. In addition, plants can offer more and/or better yields such as fruit and vegetables, as they can grow and thrive under optimal light conditions. 

In summary, full spectrum LEDs are innovative light sources that come with numerous advantages for various application areas (first and foremost indoor lighting and plant cultivation). 

Sarah  - last update October 2023