Polychromatic Sources Courses

Polychromatic sources are light sources that emit multiple colors of visible light or radiation. They are a common method of providing light in everyday contexts such as lighting fixtures and lamps. Polychromatic sources are also employed in scientific contexts to simulate specific wavelengths, such as for lasers or laboratory experiments. When it comes to light sources, the spectrum or range of colors that is visible is usually referred to as the color temperature or correlated color temperature (CCT). The CCT is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). A higher CCT indicates a warmer color temperature, meaning the visible light will appear yellower. Lower CCTs indicate cooler color temperatures that are bluer and whiter. Polychromatic sources are characterized by a range of CCTs. In lighting applications, polychromatic sources produce a smoother, more even light than non-polychromatic sources. This helps reduce the undesirable effect of cluster lighting, or harsh projections of light in certain areas. Polychromatic sources can also provide a wider range of color options, depending on the type of source. One example of a polychromatic source is the natural sunlight that shines on Earth. Sunlight is composed of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet light, although it can appear as a single white color when viewed from a distance. Other possibilities for polychromatic sources include fluorescent, halogen, and LED sources. Fluorescent lamps and CFL bulbs provide a wide range of CCTs and color temperatures. Halogen lamps offer an even distribution of light and low glare, with warmer or cooler color temperatures depending on the type. LED sources provide the strongest uniform light output and the most energy-efficient use of color. No matter the type of light source, polychromatic sources can provide a range of color temperatures to meet a variety of needs.