spectral band

The term spectral band can be used in a general way to indicate a contiguous set (interval) of spectral wavelengths. It is often shortened to the term band. A common use is to describe the wavelength-range of filters or receivers.

Spectral band is also used assuming a more specific meaning: such an interval of wavelengths that are affected by a molecule, often a large, complex molecule, that produces many spectral lines, often forming a closely-packed pattern, even to the point of overlapping. If they overlap or if the spectroscope's resolution is low, it is seen as a range of absorption (absorption band) or emission (emission band). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produce these, e.g., PAH emissions. Water lines are another example.