Light & Optics Labλ = c / f • E = hf

380 nm to RGB & Color Calculator

Approximate how 380 nm monochromatic spectral light can be represented in sRGB, and calculate CIE 1931 tristimulus values, THz frequency, and photon energy.

CIE 1931 Spectral Synthesis
380 nm
Violet
#005C95
nm
380 nm (Violet)555 nm (Peak)750 nm (Deep Red)
Frequency
788.928 THz
Photon Energy
3.263 eV
sRGB Channels
0, 92, 149
CIE 1931 XYZ
0.0002, 0.0002

Why You See This Color (380 nm)

At 380 nm, monochromatic light stimulates human Short-wavelength (S) retinal cone photoreceptors with minimal activation of Medium (M) and Long (L) cones. The brain interprets this high-frequency electromagnetic stimulus (approximately 788.928 THz, carrying 3.263 eV per quantum photon) as deep violet. Because the eye's photopic luminous efficiency V(λ) drops sharply toward the near-ultraviolet threshold, this wavelength requires greater radiant flux to match the perceived brightness of green light.

Physical Parameter Breakdown

Wavelength (λ):380 nm (380 × 10⁻⁹ m)
Oscillation Frequency (f):788.928 THz
Photon Quantum Energy (E):3.263 eV
CIE 1931 Tristimulus (XYZ):X:0.0002 Y:0.0002 Z:0.0067
Traian Anghel
Traian AnghelAuthor & Reviewer

Physics Teacher & Educational TechnologistBrăila, Romania

Last Reviewed: August 2026
Wave Lab calculators are constructed using rigorous peer-reviewed physics formulas from verified metrological repositories. Every equation, spectral conversion, and acoustic property is tested against NIST, CIE, and ISO datasets.
Verified Sources:NIST CODATACIE 1931 2° ObserverNASA Glenn Research

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