Two channels for flicker in the human visual system

Perception. 1984;13(4):387-400. doi: 10.1068/p130387.

Abstract

The human visual system contains a large number of narrowly-tuned spatial-frequency-specific channels. Does it contain an analogous set of channels tuned to a narrow range of temporal frequency? On the basis of data gathered with the use of a threshold elevation technique it is argued that human sensitivity to flicker can be accounted for by assuming the existence of just two filters, one a low-pass filter peaking gently at around 6 Hz and one a band-pass filter peaking at around 9 Hz. Similar data gathered from studies of interocular transfer suggest that at least some of the mechanisms involved are binocular, rather than being purely monocular as has previously been suggested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Flicker Fusion / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Ocular Physiological Phenomena
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology
  • Time Factors