What color is 488 wavelength?

Color of 488 Nanometer Wavelength

The wavelength of 488 nanometers (nm) falls within the visible spectrum of light, which ranges from approximately 380 nm to 750 nm. The specific color associated with a 488 nm wavelength is a vibrant shade of cyan or blue-green. This color is situated roughly at the midpoint of the visible spectrum, lying between the green and blue color bands.

Understanding the Visible Spectrum

The visible spectrum is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be perceived by the human eye. Colors in the visible spectrum range from violet, with the shortest wavelengths, to red, with the longest wavelengths. The sequence of colors is typically listed as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet (ROYGBIV).

Applications of 488 nm Wavelength

The 488 nm wavelength is notably used in various scientific and technological applications due to its distinct color and properties. One prominent use is in fluorescence microscopy, where it serves as an excitation wavelength for certain fluorescent dyes, such as Alexa Fluor 488. These dyes are excited by the 488 nm light, causing them to emit light at a longer wavelength, which can then be detected and used to create detailed images of cells and molecular structures.

Additionally, the 488 nm wavelength is commonly utilized in laser technology, including argon-ion lasers and solid-state lasers, for a range of applications from scientific research to medical procedures and light displays.

Understanding the color and applications of the 488 nm wavelength provides insight into its significance in both the natural world and various technological fields.