Definition of color vision

Photonics Dictionary

color vision: Color vision refers to the ability of organisms to perceive and distinguish different wavelengths of light as different colors. It is a sensory ability that allows humans and many other animals to interpret the visible spectrum of light and perceive the richness of colors in the environment.

Visible spectrum: The visible spectrum ranges from approximately 400 nm to 700 nm in wavelength and corresponds to the colors violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Photoreceptor cells: In the human eye, color vision is primarily mediated by cone cells located in the retina. These cone cells contain photopigments that are sensitive to specific wavelengths of light.

Trichromatic theory: The dominant theory explaining human color vision is the trichromatic theory, proposed by Thomas Young and refined by Hermann von Helmholtz. It states that color perception is based on the combined activity of three types of cone cells sensitive to short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) wavelengths of light.

Color mixing: By combining signals from different types of cone cells, the human visual system can perceive a wide range of colors. This includes additive color mixing (where different wavelengths of light are combined to form new colors, as in digital displays) and subtractive color mixing (where pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light, as in paints and dyes).

Color blindness: Color vision deficiency, commonly known as color blindness, occurs when one or more types of cone cells are defective or absent. This can result in difficulty distinguishing certain colors or seeing them differently than people with normal color vision.

Adaptation and perception: The perception of color can be influenced by factors such as lighting conditions, context, and individual differences in color perception.

Color vision is essential for many aspects of human perception, communication, and aesthetics. It allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature, recognize objects and signals, and navigate our surroundings effectively. Understanding the mechanisms and variations in color vision enhances our knowledge of sensory systems and human physiology.