Newsroom
What is a Wavelength?
Wavelength is the distance between two successive points in phase on a wave, such as two consecutive peaks or troughs. In optics, it describes the spatial period of light and is commonly expressed in nanometers (nm) or micrometers (µm).
Wavelength is directly related to the frequency and energy of light: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and higher photon energies. Different wavelengths define different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, from ultraviolet and visible light to infrared radiation. In photonics, wavelength is a fundamental parameter for selecting, generating, transmitting, and detecting optical signals.
key properties of Wavelength
Frequency relationship
Wavelength and frequency are inversely related for light propagating in a given medium. Changing the wavelength therefore changes the frequency of the optical signal.
Spectral range
Different wavelengths correspond to different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Photonics technologies can operate across a wide range, from ultraviolet to infrared.
Optical performance
The wavelength influences how light interacts with optical fibers, materials, detectors, and other components, making it a key parameter when designing photonic systems.
