The below content replicates the content of the physical exhibit at CSU Spur. It can be used for reference, language translation, and additional accessibility.
Change the Colors
Interactive Laboratory
- Blue: 400-500 nm
- Red: 600-700 nm
- Far-red: 735 nm
- White (5700K)
Growing with Light
Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH)
Turn the dials to change the different colors (wavelengths) of light.
This area is an indoor space that uses technology, like light, to help plants grow. This is called Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH). The light used in this space is from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These lights are bright and use very little energy.
The different colors we see depends on the wavelength of light. The human eye can see wavelengths between 380-770 nanometers (nm) and plants use light in this range (400-700 nm) to grow! See the color ranges in Figure 1. Plants use blue and red light to make energy, and far-red light helps many plants flower. Turn the white LED dial and you’ll see that the plants appear green; this is because the leaves reflect green wavelengths of light.
Visit the CEH Lab on the 2nd floor to learn more about lighting research at CSU.
Figure 1. LED colors (wavelengths) of light. Find BLUE at 400-500 nm, GREEN at 500-600 nm, RED at 600-700 nm, and FAR-RED at 700-800 nm.
