Violet light

Violet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. Occupying the end of the visible spectrum, violet light has a wavelength of approximately 380-450 nanometers (nm). It is one of the seven colors that Isaac Newton identified when dividing the spectrum of visible light in 1672. Violet light is just beyond blue light in the spectrum and is followed by ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the human eye.

Properties and Perception

Violet light, due to its short wavelength, is scattered more in the atmosphere than longer wavelengths, which is why the sky appears blue or violet under certain conditions. The perception of violet light, like all colors, arises in the human eye through the stimulation of cone cells by electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelengths. The eye perceives violet when the S-cone (short-wavelength cone cells) is stimulated significantly, with little to no activation of M (medium-wavelength) and L (long-wavelength) cone cells.

Sources of Violet Light

Natural sources of violet light include the Sun, which emits a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including violet. Artificial sources include LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), lasers, and fluorescent lamps, which can be designed to emit specific wavelengths of light, including violet.

Applications

Violet light has various applications due to its unique properties. In optics, violet lasers are used for data storage and retrieval in Blu-ray technology, where the short wavelength allows for a higher density of data storage. In medicine, violet light is used in phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal jaundice and in certain dermatology treatments. Violet LEDs are used in agriculture to promote plant growth and in forensic science to detect bodily fluids and other evidence.

Health Effects

Exposure to violet light, especially artificial sources, has been a subject of health concerns. Prolonged exposure to intense violet light can cause damage to the eye, particularly to the retina, leading to conditions such as photokeratitis and photochemical eye damage. There is ongoing research into the effects of exposure to violet and blue light, particularly from screens and artificial lighting, on human health and sleep patterns.

In Culture

Violet light and the color violet have various cultural and symbolic meanings. In many cultures, violet is associated with royalty, nobility, and spirituality. It is also one of the colors associated with the LGBTQ+ pride flag, symbolizing spirit.