Abstract

Spectral sensitivity curves have been established for the ten-degree periphery throughout a range of intensities from absolute scotopic threshold to a level five log units above threshold. Surround conditions included adaptation of the eye both to complete darkness and to the light level under investigation. In addition, foveal curves have been established at one level under the same experimental conditions as the peripheral curves.

The results show that there is no large shift in the curves toward the longer wavelengths with increasing intensity until a level five log units above threshold has been reached, and that, even at this point, the peripheral curve does not approach the spectral sensitivity found in the foveal curve. While the curves retain the predominant scotopic element, that is, sensitivity to the shorter wavelengths remains basically unchanged, sensitivity to the longer wavelengths does increase throughout the entire range of intensities investigated. This is true for both surround conditions; in addition, a slight increase in sensitivity to the long wavelengths and better brightness discrimination are found with the lighted surround.

© 1958 Optical Society of America

Sensitivity of the Eye to Spectral Radiation at Scotopic and Mesopic Intensity Levels

Jo Ann Smith Kinney
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 45(7) 507-514 (1955)

Effect of Field Size and Position on Mesopic Spectral Sensitivity

Jo Ann S. Kinney
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(5) 671-677 (1964)

Spectral sensitivity of the dark-adapted extrafoveal retina at photopic intensities

Ulf Stabell and Bjørn Stabell
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 71(7) 841-844 (1981)

Analysis of Photopic and Scotopic Function in an Incomplete Achromat*

Irwin M. Siegel, Clarence H. Graham, Harris Ripps, and Yun Hsia
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56(5) 699-704 (1966)

Difference Limen as a Function of Retinal Eccentricity and Background Brightness*

Patricia McBride Blough
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 48(10) 731-735 (1958)