The Effects of Target Wavelength on Dynamic Visual Acuity under Photopic and Scotopic Viewing

Abstract

The effects of target wavelength on the resolution of moving targets were investigated over a range of target velocities under both photopic and scotopic viewing conditions. The wavelength of the photopically matched targets had no effect on dynamic acuity under the bright background condition. However, with low background luminance the wavelength of the targets had pronounced effects, with blue targets producing far superior resolution and red targets, the poorest resolution. These results were maintained over both 250- and 400-ms target durations and regardless of whether initial target position was foveal or peripheral. The likely contribution of the rod system to dynamic visual acuity under some conditions is proposed, and possible implications for applied settings are discussed.