The healthy light spectrum

XPECTRUM

XAL's new daylight-like full-spectrum LEDs provide healthy, biologically effective light by reducing the blue light component and increasing the cyan-coloured components. This minimises the risk of blue light to the eye and brings it to a level similar to daylight. The resulting non-visual – also known as melanotic – light effect influences numerous bodily functions and is partly responsible for better sleep, increased focus, and well-being.

What is special about full-spectrum LEDs?

If one looks at the spectrum of a light colour, in this case 4000K, and compares the qualities Ra>80, Ra>90, and XPECTRUM, the differences are obvious. Conventional Ra>80 or Ra>90 LEDs have a striking peak at 450 nm and a clear trough at 490 nm. With XPECTRUM LEDs, this deviation is minimal, which accounts for the difference in quality.

Full spectrum LED 4000K

Commercially available LED 4000K

Why do we talk about a healthy light spectrum?

Research has shown that pupil size is controlled by non-visual photoreceptor cells on the retina. These special ganglion cells are sensitive to light-blue light and play an important role in regulating pupil size, independent of our conscious vision. The response curve of these ganglion cells shows a maximum at 490 nm (nanometres), which is in the blue range of the light spectrum. In conventional LEDs with a colour rendering index Ra>80 and Ra>90, the emission in the light blue range is low. Despite the high blue component at 450 nm, our eyes do not perceive a high level of brightness as the sensitivity is at 490 nm. This causes the pupil to dilate and more light to fall on the retina. Especially short-wave blue light (450 nm) is perceived as blinding or "piercing" light. High doses of this short-wave light can lead to fatigue and eyestrain. This is precisely where XPRCTRUM LEDs come into their own. A spectral wavelength distribution that is in line with nature considers the sensitivity of the human eye. Therefore, there is no excessive strain and we also refer to the “healthy light spectrum” of XPECTRUM luminaires. The colour fidelity is rated Ra 98, which is expressed as a natural colour effect and colour saturation. No colours appear over- or undersaturated. In contrast to Ra>80 and Ra>90 light quality, full-spectrum light appears calm and pleasant. Overall, XPECTRUM LEDs aim to produce eye-friendly light that increases the ability to focus and improves well-being.

Supernova Invest GmbH

Glossary: XPECTRUM is XAL's quality designation for full-spectrum LEDs. Since 2020, XAL has had Ra 98 LEDs in its programme under the name XPECTRUM for almost all luminaire families on request.