Temporal light modulation: A phantom array visibility measure

Journal Article · 14 April 2024 · Lighting Research and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14771535241239611 · OSTI ID:2337749

Tan, J.  ^[1]; Miller, NJ  ^[1]; Royer, MP  ^[1]; Irvin, L.  ^[1]

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1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Portland, OR, USA

At temporal light modulation (TLM) frequencies between 80 Hz and 20 000 Hz observers may perceive a series of repeated images called the phantom array effect (PAE) when they move their eyes in large saccades across a modulating light source or across a scene lit by the modulating light source. To date, there is no well-established measure for quantifying PAE visibility, but there is growing awareness of the need for one among design professionals and sensitive populations. This paper documents a new measure, the phantom array visibility measure (PAVM), which is based on the results of recent human factors experiments. The measure follows the mathematical underpinning used by the flicker visibility measure and the stroboscopic visibility measure, where the time-domain TLM waveform is converted into its Fourier frequency components; each component is evaluated through a threshold curve of modulation depth, then summed through an equation employing a Minkowski exponent. This scales the PAVM so that a value of 1 indicates a waveform at a threshold visibility in the conditions of the underlying experiment.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 2337749
• Journal Information: Lighting Research and Technology, Journal Name: Lighting Research and Technology Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 56; ISSN 1477-1535
• Publisher: SAGE PublicationsCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English