Dictionary tag: U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Understanding rainbows

To properly understand rainbows involves referring to different fields of enquiry and areas of knowledge.

  • The field of optics tells us that rainbows are about the paths that light takes through different media and are the result of reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets.
  • A weather forecaster might explain rainbows in meteorological terms because they depend on sunlight and only appear in the right weather conditions and times of the day.
  • A hydrologist, who studies the movement and distribution of water around the planet, might refer to the water cycle and so to things like evaporation, condensation and precipitation.
  • A vision scientist will need to refer to visual perception in humans and the biological mechanisms of the eye.
  • An optometrist may check for colour blindness or eye disease.

Our DICTIONARY OF LIGHT COLOUR AND VISION assembles terms drawn from these different fields to explore our central interest at lightcolourvision.org which is the interconnections between these three topics.
Whenever terms that appear in the DICTIONARY are used on pages within our LIBRARY OF DIAGRAMS, a blue link appears in the text.

Velocity

In the context of electromagnetic waves, velocity describes the rate of wave propagation, accounting for both its magnitude (speed) and direction. As a vector quantity, velocity provides a full description of the wave’s displacement over time, indicating how fast and in which direction it moves.

  • In the context of electromagnetic waves, velocity describes the rate of wave propagation, accounting for both magnitude (speed) and direction.
    • As a vector quantity, velocity provides a full description of the wave’s displacement over time, indicating how fast and in which direction it moves.
    • Velocity can be positive or negative, representing motion in different directions, and is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s), kilometres per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph), with an indication of direction.
  • In contrast, speed refers only to the magnitude of motion—how fast the wave travels—without regard to direction.
    • It is the magnitude of the displacement of an object per unit of time.
    • Speed does not consider the direction of motion, only the rate at which an object moves.
    • Speed is always positive or zero, representing the magnitude of motion.
    • Speed is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s), kilometres per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph).
  • Direction in the context of velocity is typically quantified by angles or coordinates relative to a reference point or axis.
    • For electromagnetic waves, this could be described using angles (e.g., degrees or radians) from a defined direction (such as the horizontal or vertical axis in a plane) or by using a coordinate system (such as Cartesian or polar coordinates) to specify the precise direction of wave propagation.
  • Positive or negative values of velocity simply indicate direction along a defined axis, with positive values often representing motion in one direction and negative values representing the opposite direction.
Velocity (General)

Velocity is a vector quantity that refers to the rate of change of an object’s position over time. It combines both speed and direction. Any change in either speed or direction results in a change in velocity.

  • Speed is a scalar quantity that describes how fast an object is moving, measured as the distance covered per unit of time. It does not include direction.
  • Direction is typically quantified relative to a reference point (such as along an axis or by a specific angle).
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Velocity

In the context of electromagnetic waves, velocity describes the rate of wave propagation, accounting for both magnitude (speed) and direction.

    • As a vector quantity, velocity provides a full description of the wave’s displacement over time, indicating how fast and in which direction it moves.
    • Velocity can be positive or negative, representing motion in different directions, and is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s), kilometres per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph), with an indication of direction.
  • In contrast, speed refers only to the magnitude of motion—how fast the wave travels—without regard to direction.
    • It is the magnitude of the displacement of an object per unit of time.
    • Speed does not consider the direction of motion, only the rate at which an object moves.
    • Speed is always positive or zero, representing the magnitude of motion.
    • Speed is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s), kilometres per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph).
  • Direction in the context of velocity is typically quantified by angles or coordinates relative to a reference point or axis.
    • For electromagnetic waves, this could be described using angles (e.g., degrees or radians) from a defined direction (such as the horizontal or vertical axis in a plane) or by using a coordinate system (such as Cartesian or polar coordinates) to specify the precise direction of wave propagation.

Viewing angle

The viewing angle of a rainbow is the angle between a line extended from an observer’s viewpoint to the bow’s anti-solar point and a second line extended towards the coloured arcs of its bow.

  • Viewing angle, angular distance and angle of deflection all produce the same value measured in degrees.
  • To locate the viewing angle as you look at a rainbow, trace two lines away from your eyes, one to the anti-solar point (the centre of the rainbow) and the other to one of the coloured arcs of the rainbow. The viewing angle is between those two lines, which intersect within the lenses of your eyes.
  • To establish where the anti-solar point of a rainbow is, imagine extending the ends of the bow until they meet and form a circle. The anti-solar point is right in the middle and is always below the horizon.
  • The coloured arcs of a rainbow form the circumference of circles (discs or cones) and share centres at their anti-solar point.
  • The viewing angle is the same whatever point is selected on the section of the circumference of the circular arcs of the rainbow visible above the horizon.
  • The viewing angle for a primary bow is between approx. 40.70 and 42.40 from its centre. The exact angle depends upon the rainbow colour selected.
  • The viewing angle for a secondary bow is between approx. 50.40 and 53.40 when you are looking at its centre.
  • The viewing angle can be calculated for any specific colour within a rainbow.
  • The centre of a rainbow is always on its axis. The rainbow axis is an imaginary straight line that connects the light source, observer and anti-solar point.
  • Most incident rays striking a raindrop will follow paths that place them outside the viewing angle. The resulting deflected rays pass by an observer and play no part in their observation.
  • The viewing angle for all rainbows is a constant determined by the laws of refraction and reflection.
  • The elevation of the Sun, the location of the observer and exactly where rain is falling are all variables that determine where a rainbow will appear.
Viewing angle, angular distance and angle of deflection
  • The viewing angle as described above is a measurement taken from an observer’s point of view and conceives of a rainbow as a three-dimensional object in the real world.
  • The viewing angle is the angle to which an observer looks regardless of whether they look towards the top of a rainbow to see a specific colour or sideways to look at the same colour near the horizon.
  • Angular distance refers to a measurement on a ray-tracing diagram that represents a rainbow as a two-dimensional object.
  • Angular distance measures the same angle as the viewing angle so between the rainbow axis and the position of any specific rainbow colour as it appears on the drawing.
  • The angle of deflection also refers to a measurement on a ray-tracing diagram. It takes the same measurement but at a different intersection of lines.
  • The angle of deflection measures the degree to which a ray striking a raindrop is bent back on itself in the process of refraction and reflection.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

Viewing angle

The viewing angle of a rainbow is the angle between a line extended from an observer’s eyes to a bow’s centre point and a second line extended out towards the coloured arcs.

  • In all cases, viewing angle, angular distance and angle of deflection all produce the same value measured in degrees.
Viewing angle and rainbows
  • Viewing angle refers to the number of degrees through which an observer must move their eyes or turn their head.
  • On the vertical plane, the viewing angle is a measure of how far an observer must raise their eyes or head to look from the centre of a rainbow out to the coloured arcs.
  • On the horizontal plane, the viewing angle is a measure of how far an observer must look from the centre out to the side to see the coloured arcs.
Viewing angle and raindrops
  • The idea of a viewing angle for a specific raindrop within a rainbow is nonsense really because they are too small to see. However, the viewing angle for a specific raindrop can be derived from the angle of deflection.
  • The angle of deflection measures the degree to which a ray striking a raindrop is bent back on itself in the process of refraction and reflection towards an observer.
  • Of all the rays deflected towards an observer by a single raindrop, there is always one that produces the most intense impression of colour for an observer at any specific moment. It is often called the rainbow ray.
  • The term rainbow ray refers to the path taken by the deflected ray that produces the most intense colour experience for any particular wavelength of light passing through a raindrop.
  • A ray-tracing diagram can calculate which of the rays of a specific wavelength, exiting a raindrop is the rainbow ray.
  • If an observer could watch a single raindrop as it falls, they would see its viewing angle decrease and its colour change from red, through intermediate colours, to violet. With each change of viewing angle, colour and wavelength the exact trajectory of the rainbow ray must be recalculated.
Find the viewing angle
  • To find the viewing angle as you look at a rainbow, trace two lines away from your eyes, one to the centre of the rainbow, and the other to any point on the coloured arcs. The viewing angle is between those two lines, which intersect within the lenses of your eyes.
  • If you are not sure where the centre of the rainbow is, imagine extending the ends of the bow until they meet and form a circle. The centre (the anti-solar point) is right in the middle.
  • For atmospheric rainbows seen from the ground, the anti-solar point is always below the horizon.
  • The coloured arcs of a rainbow form the circumference of circles (discs or cones) and share centres at their anti-solar point.
  • The viewing angle is the same whatever point is selected on the circumference of the circular arcs of the rainbow visible above the horizon.
  • The viewing angle for a primary bow is between approx. 40.70 and 42.40 from its centre. The exact angle depends on which rainbow colour is selected.
  • The viewing angle for a secondary bow is at an angle of between approx. 50.40 and 53.40 when you are looking outwards from its centre.
  • The viewing angle can be calculated for any specific colour within a rainbow.
  • The centre of a rainbow is always on its axis. The rainbow axis is an imaginary straight line that connects the light source, observer and anti-solar point.
  • Considered from an observer’s viewpoint, it is clear that all incident rays seen by an observer run parallel with each other as they approach a raindrop.
  • Most of the observable incident rays that strike a raindrop follow paths that place them outside the range of possible viewing angles. The unobserved rays are all deflected towards the centre of a rainbow.
  • The viewing angles for all rainbow colours are constants determined by the laws of refraction and reflection.
  • The elevation of the Sun, the location of the observer and exactly where rain is falling are all variables that determine where a rainbow will appear.
Viewing angle, angular distance and angle of deflection
  • The term viewing angle refers to the number of degrees through which an observer must move their eyes or turn their head to see a specific colour within the arcs of a rainbow.
  • The term angular distance refers to the same measurement when shown in side elevation on a diagram.
  • The angle of deflection measures the degree to which a ray striking a raindrop is bent back on itself in the process of refraction and reflection towards an observer.
  • The term rainbow ray refers to the path taken by the deflected ray that produces the most intense colour experience for any particular wavelength of light passing through a raindrop.
  • The term angle of deviation measures the degree to which the path of a light ray is bent back by a raindrop in the course of refraction and reflection towards an observer.
    • In any particular example of a ray of light passing through a raindrop, the angle of deviation and the angle of deflection are directly related to one another and together add up to 1800.
    • The angle of deviation is always equal to 1800 minus the angle of deflection. So clearly the angle of deflection is always equal to 1800 minus the angle of deviation.
    • In any particular example, the angle of deflection is always the same as the viewing angle because the incident rays of light that form a rainbow are all approaching on a trajectory running parallel with the rainbow axis.

Viewing angle

When looking at a rainbow, the viewing angle is the angle between a line extended from an observer’s viewpoint to the bow’s anti-solar point and a second line extended towards the coloured arcs of its bow.

  • Viewing angle, angular distance and angle of deflection all produce the same value measured in degrees.
  • To locate the viewing angle as you look at a rainbow, trace two lines away from your eyes, one to the anti-solar point (the centre of the rainbow) and the other to one of the coloured arcs of the rainbow. The viewing angle is between those two lines, which intersect within the lenses of your eyes.
  • To establish where the anti-solar point of a rainbow is, imagine extending the ends of the bow until they meet and form a circle. The anti-solar point is right in the middle and is always below the horizon.
  • The coloured arcs of a rainbow form the circumference of circles (discs or cones) and share centres at their anti-solar point.
  • The viewing angle is the same whatever point is selected on the section of the circumference of the circular arcs of the rainbow visible above the horizon.
  • The viewing angle for a primary bow is between approx. 40.70 and 42.40 from its centre. The exact angle depends upon the rainbow colour selected.
  • The viewing angle for a secondary bow is between approx. 50.40 and 53.40 when you are looking at its centre.
  • The viewing angle can be calculated for any specific colour within a rainbow.
  • The centre of a rainbow is always on its axis. The rainbow axis is an imaginary straight line that connects the light source, observer and anti-solar point.
  • Most incident rays striking a raindrop will follow paths that place them outside the viewing angle. The resulting deflected rays pass by an observer and play no part in their observation.
  • The viewing angle for all rainbows is a constant determined by the laws of refraction and reflection.
  • The elevation of the Sun, the location of the observer and exactly where rain is falling are all variables that determine where a rainbow will appear.

Virtual photon

A virtual photon is a theoretical concept in particle physics. Virtual photons are thought to be particles that exist for an incredibly brief time and cannot be directly observed. Their existence is inferred through their role in mediating interactions between other particles.

  • Virtual photons are created when two charged particles interact with each other. For example, when two electrons interact with each other, they can exchange a virtual photon. This exchange of a virtual photon causes the electrons to repel each other. The electric force that we observe is thought to be due to the exchange of virtual photons between charged particles.
  • Virtual photons are thought to play a role in many different physical phenomena, including the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the strong force.
  • More generally, a photon is a particle that carries electromagnetic radiation. It is the fundamental unit of light.

Virtual photon

A virtual photon is a theoretical concept in particle physics. Virtual photons are thought to be particles that exist for an incredibly brief time and cannot be directly observed. Their existence is inferred through their role in mediating interactions between other particles.

  • Virtual photons are thought to play a role in many different physical phenomena, including the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the strong force.
  • A photon is a particle that carries electromagnetic radiation. It is the fundamental unit of light.
  • Unlike a real photon, which carries electromagnetic radiation, virtual photons are theorized to be exchanged between charged particles during these interactions. This exchange is believed to be the underlying mechanism behind the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the strong force.
  • Virtual photons are created when two charged particles interact with each other. For example, when two electrons interact with each other, they can exchange a virtual photon. This exchange of a virtual photon causes the electrons to repel each other. The electric force that we observe is thought to be due to the exchange of virtual photons between charged particles.
  • Whether a virtual photon is real is a matter of debate among physicists. Some believe that virtual photons are simply a mathematical tool used to calculate the interactions of real photons. Other physicists believe that virtual photons are real particles that exist for a very short period of time.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Visible light

Visible light refers to the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that is perceived as colour by human observers. While the range of visible light is generally considered to be 400-700 nm, the exact range of colours perceptible can vary slightly between individuals.

  • Visible light is one form of electromagnetic radiation. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Visible light ranges from approximately 400 nanometres (nm) for violet to 700 nm for red.
  • A human observer perceives visible light as a combination of all the spectral colours between red and violet, as well as a vast range of other colours produced from the blending of different wavelengths in varying proportions.
  • A spectral colour is produced by a single wavelength of visible light.
  • The complete range of colours that can be perceived by a human observer is called the visible spectrum.
  • The range of wavelengths that generate visible light constitutes a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Visible light

Visible light refers to the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that is perceived as colour by human observers. While the range of visible light is generally considered to be 400-700 nm, the exact range of colours perceptible can vary slightly between individuals.

  • Visible light is one form of electromagnetic radiation. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Visible light ranges from approximately 400 nanometres (nm) for violet to 700 nm for red.
  • A human observer perceives visible light as a combination of all the spectral colours between red and violet, as well as a vast range of other colours produced from the blending of different wavelengths in varying proportions.

Visible light

Visible light is the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation perceived as colour by human observers.

  • Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Other forms of electromagnetic radiation include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
  • Visible light is perceived by a human observer as all the spectral colours between red and violet plus all other colours that result from combining wavelengths together in different proportions.
  • A spectral colour is produced by a single wavelength of light.
  • The complete range of colours that can be perceived by a human observer is called the visible spectrum.
  • The range of wavelengths that produce visible light is a very small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Visible spectrum

The visible spectrum is the range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that correspond with all the different colours we see in the world.

  • As light travels through the air it is invisible to our eyes.
  • Human beings don’t see wavelengths of light, but they do see the spectral colours that correspond with each wavelength and colours produced when different wavelengths are combined.
  • The visible spectrum includes all the spectral colours between red and violet and each is produced by a single wavelength.
  • The visible spectrum is often divided into named colours, though any division of this kind is somewhat arbitrary.
  • Traditional colours referred to in English include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

Visible spectrum

The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum is called the visible spectrum.

  • The visible spectrum is the range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that correspond with all the different colours we see in the world.
  • As light travels through the air it is invisible to our eyes.
  • Human beings don’t see wavelengths of light, but they do see the spectral colours that correspond with each wavelength and colours produced when different wavelengths are combined.
  • The visible spectrum includes all the spectral colours between red and violet and each is produced by a single wavelength.
  • The visible spectrum is often divided into named colours, though any division of this kind is somewhat arbitrary.
  • Traditional colours referred to in English include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

Visible spectrum

The visible spectrum is the range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that correspond with all the different colours we see in the world.

  • Human beings don’t see wavelengths of visible light, but they do see the spectral colours that correspond with each wavelength and colours produced when different wavelengths are combined.
  • The visible spectrum includes all the spectral colours between red and violet and each is produced by a single wavelength.
  • The visible spectrum is often divided into named colours, though any division is somewhat arbitrary.
  • Traditional colours in English include: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
  • The visible spectrum is continuous, and the human eye can distinguish many thousands of spectral colours.
  • The fact that we see distinct bands of colour in a rainbow is an artefact of human colour vision.
  • The visible spectrum is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Vision

Vision, the human visual system, is a complex interplay between various components of the eye, including the cornea, pupil, lens, iris, retina, and optic nerve. It collaborates to capture, focus, and convert light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain for visual processing and interpretation.

  • Vision begins when light emitted or reflected by an object or scene enters our eyes through the cornea, pupil, and lens.
  • The cornea and the lens work together to concentrate and focus light onto the retina, which is the photosensitive layer of cells at the back of the eyeball.
  • The iris, located between the cornea and the lens, regulates the amount of light reaching the retina. It also determines eye colour and controls the size of the pupil.
  • The retina plays a vital role in converting differences in the wavelength and brightness of incoming light into electrical signals.
  • The optic nerve, which exits at the back of the eye, carries these signals to the visual processing areas of the brain.

Vision

Vision, the human visual system, is a complex interplay between various components of the eye, including the cornea, pupil, lens, iris, retina, and optic nerve. It collaborates to capture, focus, and convert light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain for visual processing and interpretation.

  • Vision begins when light emitted or reflected by an object or scene enters our eyes through the cornea, pupil, and lens.
  • The cornea and the lens work together to concentrate and focus light onto the retina, which is the photosensitive layer of cells at the back of the eyeball.
  • The iris, located between the cornea and the lens, regulates the amount of light reaching the retina. It also determines eye colour and controls the size of the pupil.
  • The retina plays a vital role in converting differences in the wavelength and brightness of incoming light into electrical signals.
  • The optic nerve, which exits at the back of the eye, carries these signals to the visual processing areas of the brain.
  • Vision, as experienced by human beings, forms the foundation of visual perception.
  • Visual perception is the human ability to see and understand our surroundings by virtue of the sensitivity of our eyes to wavelengths of light across the entire visible spectrum, from red to violet.
  • Visual perception is linked to eyesight but also encompasses the brain’s capability to interpret and comprehend the information received from our eyes.
  • Visual perception is the outcome of visual processing, the complex and dynamic process that involves interactions between various retinal cells, neural pathways, and brain regions, ultimately leading to conscious visual perception.
About light, colour & vision
Light
  • The human eye and human vision are adapted and responsive to the visible spectrum, which includes wavelengths of light corresponding to colours ranging from red to violet..
  • Light is the electromagnetic radiation that enables us to perceive colour. It consists of a spectrum of wavelengths, and it is the interaction of these wavelengths with our visual system that gives rise to the perception of different colours.
  • The visible spectrum is the range of wavelengths of light that the human eye can detect, typically spanning from approximately 400 nanometers (nm) for violet to 700 nm for red.
  • Light is seldom composed of a single wavelength, so an observer is typically exposed to a range of diverse wavelengths or a combination of wavelengths from various parts of the visible spectrum.
  • Visible light does not possess any properties that set it apart from other segments of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Colour
  • Colour is not an inherent property of electromagnetic radiation but rather a characteristic of vision and the visual perception of an observer.
  • Colour is not an inherent property of electromagnetic radiation but rather a characteristic of vision and the visual perceptions of an observer.
  • Colour is what human beings perceive when light is present.
  • Objects appear to have different colours to an observer based on the wavelengths and intensity of light when it reaches the retina at the back of the eye.
Vision
  • When light enters the eye, it interacts with specialized cells called cones in the retina. Cones are responsible for detecting and processing different wavelengths of light, which contribute to our perception of colour.
  • The three types of cones, commonly referred to as red, green, and blue cones, respond to different ranges of wavelengths. The combined activity of these cones allows us to perceive a wide range of colours.
  • The brain plays a crucial role in the perception of colour. It processes the signals received from the cones and interprets them to create our conscious experience of colour.
  • Colour perception is influenced by various factors, including the intensity and quality of light, the surrounding environment, and individual differences in vision.
  • Our ability to perceive and differentiate colours provides important cues about the world around us, helping us recognize objects, navigate our environment, and experience the richness of visual stimuli.
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Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Visual perception

Colour is not a property of electromagnetic radiation, but a feature of visual perception by an observer.

  • The human eye and so human visual perception are tuned to the visible spectrum and so to spectral colours between red and violet.
  • There are no properties of electromagnetic radiation that distinguish visible light from other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Objects appear to be different colours to an observer depending on the wavelengths, frequencies and amplitude of visible light at the moment it strikes the retina at the back of the eye.

Visual perception

Visual perception is the human ability to see and understand our surroundings by virtue of the sensitivity of our eyes to wavelengths of light across the entire visible spectrum, from red to violet.

  • Visual perception is a complex process that relies on the intricate interaction between our eyes, the brain, and the interpretation of light signals. It enables us to perceive various visual attributes such as shapes, sizes, textures, depths, motions, and spatial relationships, all of which contribute to our comprehensive understanding and interpretation of the visual world around us.

Visual perception

Visual perception is the human ability to see and understand our surroundings by virtue of the sensitivity of our eyes to wavelengths of light across the entire visible spectrum, from red to violet.

  • Visual perception is a complex process that relies on the intricate interaction between our eyes, the brain, and the interpretation of light signals. It enables us to perceive various visual attributes such as shapes, sizes, textures, depths, motions, and spatial relationships, all of which contribute to our comprehensive understanding and interpretation of the visual world around us.
  • These elements collectively contribute to our comprehensive understanding and interpretation of the visual world around us.
  • Visual perception is associated with eyesight but also encompasses the brain’s capacity to interpret information received from our eyes.
  • The interpretation of visual information depends on the attributes of visual perception.
Visual perception and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • The human eye and vision are attuned and responsive to the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Light is typically composed of multiple wavelengths, and observers are usually exposed to a range of adjacent wavelengths or a combination of wavelengths from various parts of the spectrum.
  • Colour is not an inherent property of electromagnetic radiation but rather a characteristic of an observer’s visual perception.
  • Colour is what humans perceive when light is present.
  • Objects appear to be different colours to an observer depending on the wavelength, frequency and intensity of light at the moment it strikes the retina at the back of the eye.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

Visual processing

Visual processing

Visual processing is a complex and dynamic process that involves interactions between various retinal cells, neural pathways, and brain regions, ultimately leading to conscious visual perception.

Visual processing begins the moment light enters the human eye. It then progresses through multiple stages as signals travel towards the visual cortex, where the neural activity is integrated, resulting in conscious visual experience.

As visual processing begins the retina starts to process information about colors, as well as basic information about the shape and movement associated with those colors. By the end of this stage, multiple forms of information about a visual scene are ready to be conveyed to higher brain regions.

Let’s examine two major forms of processing, trichromatic and opponent-processing, which occur within the eyeball as visual information is gathered from light entering our eyes.

Trichromacy, also known as the trichromatic theory of colour vision, explains how three types of cone receptors in the retina work together with bipolar cells to perform their role in the initial stage of colour processing. Rod cells also play a significant role in this form of processing visual information, particularly in low-light conditions.

Opponent-processing, also known as the opponent-process theory of colour vision, explains the second form of processing. Opponent-processing involves ganglion cells that process the data received from trichromatic processing and combine it with other intercellular activities.

It is interesting to note that as both trichromatic and opponent-process theories developed over the last century, researchers and authors have often pitted one theory against the other. However, both processes are crucial for understanding how colour vision occurs.

Trichromatic theory explains the encoding of visual information when light hits the retina, while opponent-processing explains a subsequent stage of information convergence, assembly, and coding before the data leaves the retina via the optic nerve.

Note that:

  • Both trichromatic and opponent-processing occur independently within each retina, without comparing with the other.
  • Each eye gathers information from a specific viewpoint, approximately 50 mm to the left or right of the nose.
  • The two impressions are later compared and combined to provide us with a single three-dimensional, stereoscopic view of the world, rather than two flattened images.

We can consider the layers of retinal cells involved in trichromatic and opponent-processing as examining, interpreting, and transmitting visually relevant information. However, it would be incorrect to view this as a straightforward linear process due to the intricate neural networking, cross-referencing, and feedback loops within the retina.