Light colour

Light colour is the impression of colour as determined by the spectral composition of the light that reaches an observer.

Light radiation can comprise a continuous spectral range, in which case the light colour is determined by the wavelength of the maximum of the continuous spectrum. Light colour can also be a mixture of several wavelength ranges, in which case the observer perceives the colour of the dominant range or the colour of an additive colour mix (laser, gas discharge lamp). It can also appear white (fluorescent tubes).

Coloured light is characterised based on the colour stimulus specification, that is, the physiological colour effect of radiation, which is determined by the perception of an individual's eye. Colour stimulus specification is subjective, although its colour stimulus can be measured with sensors.

Light colours can be changed using filters and are described by means of colour temperature.

Light colour has a psychological impact on people. Blue light with sufficient Lighting Strength has an invigorating and stimulating effect while warm light has a more relaxing and pleasant feel to it.