LED Color Temperature Calculator

Color Temperature Formula:

\[ CCT = \frac{2.897 \times 10^6}{\lambda_{peak}} \]

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT):

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1. What is LED Color Temperature?

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is a specification of the color appearance of light emitted by an LED, measured in Kelvins (K). It describes whether the light appears warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish) to the human eye.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the color temperature formula:

\[ CCT = \frac{2.897 \times 10^6}{\lambda_{peak}} \]

Where:

\( CCT \) — Correlated Color Temperature (K)
\( \lambda_{peak} \) — Peak wavelength of the LED (nm)
\( 2.897 \times 10^6 \) — Wien's displacement constant in nm·K

Explanation: This formula applies Wien's displacement law to estimate the correlated color temperature from the peak emission wavelength of an LED.

3. Importance of Color Temperature Calculation

Details: Accurate color temperature calculation is crucial for LED lighting design, ensuring proper color rendering, creating desired atmospheres, and meeting specific application requirements in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the peak wavelength of the LED in nanometers (nm). The value must be positive and typically falls within the visible spectrum range (380-780 nm).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical color temperature range for LEDs?
A: Common LED color temperatures range from 2700K (warm white) to 6500K (cool daylight), with various options in between.

Q2: How does color temperature affect lighting applications?
A: Warm temperatures (2700K-3000K) create cozy atmospheres for residential use, while cool temperatures (4000K-6500K) provide alertness and are suitable for offices and task lighting.

Q3: Is peak wavelength the only factor determining color temperature?
A: While peak wavelength is a primary factor, the spectral power distribution and color rendering index (CRI) also influence perceived color temperature.

Q4: Can this formula be used for all light sources?
A: This formula works best for sources with relatively narrow spectral distributions like LEDs. For broad-spectrum sources, more complex calculations may be needed.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes a black body radiator approximation and may not account for all spectral characteristics of modern LED technologies with complex phosphor systems.