LED Grow Lights Wavelength for plant Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Absorption

Plants convert light energy into plant energy via a process called photosynthesis. There are two primary compounds that drive photosynthesis: Chlorophyll A, and B. These compounds absorb primarily blue and red light, while nearly all other spectra are reflected. The point at which Chlorophyll converts light energy into plant energy most efficiently, is known as an absorption peak. These peaks can be measured in units called nanometers (nm). Peak absorption points for Chlorophyll A occur at 439nm and 667nm, while they occur at 469nm and 642nm for Chlorophyll B.

LED’s are light sources that emit narrow wavelengths of light, and can be tailored to nearly any nm that you desire. By using LED’s at the same nm as each of the absorption points for Chlorophyll, our lights are able to convert light energy into plant energy more efficiently than ever before! Unlike HID lights, which emit the full spectrum of light (most of which is unused by plants), our Penetrator LED Grow Lights emit only the spectra that plants require, resulting in much higher efficiency in terms of growth per watt. By using the proper ratio of LED’s, 85% – 100% of the light our units create is used for photosynthesis. This means your plants need way fewer watts with our LED’s, to produce the same yields you’re accustomed to under HID, or our competitors’ LED Grow Lights! Our Penetrator Grow Lights include 440nm, 470nm, 640nm, 660nm, white and infra-red LED’s. We have dialed-in the perfect ratio of each color, to achieve unbelievable growth during all stages of plant development. We solved the penetration issues associated with most other LED lights, by using 60 degree lenses to create much more intense beams of light, that pierce downward through your canopy. Be prepared for higher yields of greater quality, with no heat stress and lower power bills, when using our Penetrator LED Grow Lights!

Here is a very small list of wavelengths (nm) that can be used for selecting LEDs when building your own LED Grow Lights or Solid State Plant Lighting:

200 – 280 nm UVC ultraviolet range which is generally harmful to plants. LEDs in this spectrum are non-existant or very expensive.

280 – 315 nm Includes harmful UVB ultraviolet light which causes plants colors to fade. UV LEDs in this range are now available and coming down in price.

315 – 380 nm Range of UVA ultraviolet light which is neither harmful nor beneficial to most plants.

380 – 400 nm Start of visible light spectrum. Process of chlorophyll absorption begins. UV protected plastics ideally block out any light below this range.

400 – 520 nm This range includes violet, blue, and green bands. Peak absorption by chlorophyll occurs, and a strong influence on photosynthesis. (promotes vegetative growth)

520 – 610 nm This range includes the green, yellow, and orange bands and has less absorption by pigments.

610 – 720 nm This is the red band. Large amount of absorption by chlorophyll occurs, and most significant influence on photosynthesis. (promotes flowering and budding)

720 – 1000 nm There is little absorption by Chlorophyll here, but Phytochrome uses a nice portion. Flowering and germination is influenced. Near and above the higher end of the band is the Infrared spectrum, which can also be heat and could cause elongation or affect water absorption/transpiration.

The ratio of red (660nm) to far red (730nm) in sunlight is about 1.2:1

Many of these plant pigments have dual wavelength peaks that can be activated with led light combinations:

Beta-carotene 450nm 480-485nm dual peak
chlorophyll a 430nm 662nm dual peak
chlorophyll b 453nm 642nm dual peak
phycoerythrin 590nm single peak
phycocyanin 625nm single peak
670nm and 700nm for the Emerson effect.
Wavelength and Pigment Absorption image below