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Hank Kolesnik
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Does the eye's retina, rods and cones detect the E or B or both components of a lightwave? I've not been able to find much Googling.
Thanks
Hank
Thanks
Hank
Eyes have specialized cells called photoreceptors that are sensitive to light. These cells contain a pigment called rhodopsin that absorbs light and converts it into electrical signals. These signals then travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as visual information.
The two main types of photoreceptors in the eye are rods and cones. Rods are sensitive to low levels of light and are responsible for night vision. Cones are responsible for color vision and are sensitive to bright light. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light, which allows us to perceive a full range of colors.
The eye's response to different wavelengths of light is determined by the type of photoreceptor that is activated. Shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are detected by the S-cones, medium wavelengths (green and yellow) are detected by the M-cones, and longer wavelengths (red and orange) are detected by the L-cones. The combination of these signals allows us to see a full spectrum of colors.
Yes, the eye can respond to other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as infrared and ultraviolet light. However, our visual system is not sensitive to these types of radiation. Infrared light is detected by specialized heat-sensitive cells in the eye, while ultraviolet light is filtered out by the cornea and lens before it reaches the retina.
The brain interprets the signals sent from the eye's photoreceptors by comparing the signals received from different types of cones. This allows us to perceive different colors and shades. The brain also takes into account other visual cues, such as contrast and depth, to create a complete image. This process is known as visual perception and is a complex and ongoing process that helps us make sense of the world around us.