Light Wavelength Converter
Convert between different units of light wavelength including nanometers, micrometers, angstroms, and standard length units. Essential for optics, spectroscopy, and electromagnetic radiation analysis.
Base Unit: 1 nm = 0.001 µm = 10 Å = 1×10⁻⁶ mm = 1×10⁻⁷ cm = 1×10⁻⁹ m = 3.937×10⁻⁸ in = 3.281×10⁻⁹ ft = 1.094×10⁻⁹ yd = 6.214×10⁻¹³ mi
Common Light Wavelength Ranges
Ultraviolet (UV): 10 nm – 400 nm
Visible Light: 380 nm – 750 nm
Infrared (IR): 750 nm – 1 mm
About This Light Wavelength Converter
Our Light Wavelength Converter provides precise conversions between different units used to measure electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. This tool is essential for physicists, optical engineers, astronomers, and researchers working with light, lasers, spectroscopy, and electromagnetic radiation.
The converter uses exact conversion factors based on standard definitions, ensuring accurate results for both scientific research and practical applications. All conversions are derived from the base unit of nanometer (nm), which is the most commonly used unit in optics and spectroscopy.
Key Features
Comprehensive Units
Convert between 10 different wavelength units including scientific (nm, µm, Å) and standard length measurements.
Scientific Precision
Handles both extremely small wavelengths (X-rays) and large values with automatic scientific notation when needed.
Real-time Conversion
See results instantly as you type or change units with live wavelength range indicators.
Educational Reference
Learn about electromagnetic spectrum ranges and relationships between different measurement systems.
Why Choose Our Converter?
- Scientific Accuracy: Uses exact conversion factors from international standards
- Versatility: Covers both microscopic wavelengths and macroscopic lengths
- User-Friendly: Clean interface optimized for scientific calculations
- Educational Value: Includes electromagnetic spectrum reference ranges
- Mobile Optimized: Works perfectly on all devices and screen sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wavelength and why is it important?
Wavelength is the distance between consecutive peaks of a wave, typically measured in nanometers for light. It determines the color of visible light and the energy of electromagnetic radiation, making it crucial for optics, spectroscopy, and electromagnetic theory.
When should I use different wavelength units?
Nanometers (nm) are standard for visible light and UV, micrometers (µm) for infrared, angstroms (Å) for X-rays and atomic-scale measurements, and millimeters or larger units for radio waves and longer wavelengths.
What are the visible light wavelength ranges?
Visible light ranges from approximately 380-750 nm: Violet (380-450 nm), Blue (450-495 nm), Green (495-570 nm), Yellow (570-590 nm), Orange (590-620 nm), and Red (620-750 nm).
How does wavelength relate to frequency and energy?
Wavelength (λ) is inversely related to frequency (f) by λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light. Energy is directly proportional to frequency: E = hf, so shorter wavelengths have higher energy.
What is an angstrom and when is it used?
An angstrom (Å) equals 0.1 nanometers or 10⁻¹⁰ meters. It’s commonly used in atomic physics, crystallography, and X-ray spectroscopy where atomic-scale measurements are needed.