Jun 15, 2018

[3.1]

Radiant energy that is capable of exciting the retina and producing a visual sensation in humans. The visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extends from about 380 to about 780 nanometers.

Note: The subjective impression produced by stimulating the retina is sometimes designated as light. Visual sensations are sometimes arbitrarily defined as sensations of light, and in line with this concept it is sometimes said that light cannot exist until an eye has been stimulated. Electrical stimulation of the retina or the visual cortex is described as producing flashes of light. In illuminating engineering, however, light is a physical entity — radiant energy weighted by the luminous efficiency function. (See spectral luminous efficiency of radiant flux and values of spectral luminous efficiency for photopic vision.) It is a physical stimulus that can be applied to the retina.

 

NOTE: This definition was changed in ANSI/IES RP-16-17 Addendum 4.

 

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