Study shows full spectrum LEDs outperform standard LED lighting

Full Spectrum LED products have outperformed conventional solutions, according to a study into the visual impact and perceptual performance of LED lighting by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics.

Research conducted by the organisation indicated that Full Spectrum LED lighting provides better visual comfort and an improved perception of naturalness (including colour, condition and quality) when compared to standard LED products. Researchers concluded that unrivalled colour rendering for different colour temperatures could be supplied by Full Spectrum LEDs.

The LEDs are often categorised as those emitting light similar to natural sunlight. Nichia has developed a range of proprietary Full Spectrum LED solutions with specific benefits. For example, Optisolis technology precisely mimics sunlight but does not produce any ultraviolet light (which can degrade valuable artefacts) making it perfect for museums, art galleries and jewellery stores as well as other retail settings. Vitasolis products are aimed at human-centric lighting applications with a colour spectrum richer in cyan content to encourage greater alertness.

Dr Ulf Meiners, managing director at Nichia Germany, said: “There is limited research on the impact of Full Spectrum LEDs on people’s perception, with a focus instead on the psychological effects of natural and artificial light in general. As a pioneer of true daylight white LED emitters, NICHIA welcomes the findings from Fraunhofer IBP. We hope new studies are developed to further demonstrate the performance of Full Spectrum LEDs on perception, behaviour and health.”