Limits of Human Vision: Visible Spectrum and Beyond

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visible spectrum of light, specifically the wavelengths associated with different colors and their representation in various contexts, such as television. Participants explore the accuracy of visual representations of the spectrum and the concept of color wavelengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the accuracy of a visible spectrum image, noting discrepancies in various representations found online.
  • Another participant asserts that while there are minor differences in images, they are all approximations and confirms the image is correct.
  • There is a discussion about the number of wavelengths for colors, with one participant stating that only seven colors (VIBGYOR) are considered "real," while others are combinations of these colors.
  • A later reply clarifies that the original inquiry about wavelengths was misunderstood, and the participant seeks the wavelengths that represent the truest colors of V/O/B/G/Y/O/R, as well as those used in television.
  • One participant mentions that professionals in television typically refer to color temperature rather than color wavelengths, linking to an external article for reference.
  • Another participant discusses the boundaries of the visible spectrum, noting that the human eye can perceive wavelengths beyond the typical red boundary under certain conditions, providing personal observations of high-intensity light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the representation of the visible spectrum and the concept of color wavelengths. There is no consensus on the exact definitions or boundaries of colors, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of color representation in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of visual representations and the subjective nature of color perception, particularly under varying intensities of light. There are unresolved assumptions about the definitions of "true" colors and the context in which wavelengths are discussed.

hkunkun
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I got this thing from wikipedia: http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9878/vlszo.jpg
605px-Linear_visible_spectrum.svg.png

Link to wikipedia: Visible spectrum

So:
- Is it the right scan of visible spectrum? Because when I search, there are a lots of other version, which is not really like each other. (Google Link)
- What is the number of Wavelength of the TRUE red/orange/yellow/green/cyan/blue/violet? And the red/blue/green 's wavelength using in TV?

Thanks a lots! And sorry for my bad English.
 
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hkunkun said:
<Wikipedia Pic>

So:
- Is it the right scan of visible spectrum? Because when I search, there are a lots of other version, which is not really like each other. (Google Link)

The answer is yes... Moreover all images are same , just a very minor difference. Remember that in physics nothing is exact. Its just nearest approximation.

- What is the number of Wavelength of the TRUE red/orange/yellow/green/cyan/blue/violet? And the red/blue/green 's wavelength using in TV?
Huh ? Number of wavelength ? That's wrong. Wavelength of colours are given in your image only. There are only 7 real colours : VIBGYOR .
All others are sensations caused by combination of these real colours.

Thanks a lots! And sorry for my bad English.

No worries !
 
sankalpmittal said:
Huh ? Number of wavelength ? That's wrong. Wavelength of colours are given in your image only. There are only 7 real colours : VIBGYOR .
All others are sensations caused by combination of these real colours.

Thanks for the good answer :)
I have a mistake, my really means is the wavelength that show the truest color of V/O/B/G/Y/O/R. Also the wavelength of R/B/G color using in TV.
Thanks again!
 
Though it is typically considered that "red' boundary of visible spectrum is about 700-750 nm, a human eye can see a radiation with wavelength up to approx. 950 nm as red light, if the intensity is high enough. I observed 940-nm radiation of a laser diode which seem to me as dark-red. Concerning longer-wavelength radiation, an eye can see it in some cases due to non-linear processes at very high intensity level. I saw 1064-nm pulses which hit white- paper screen as green flashes at intensity of order of 10^9 W/cm^2. The green flashes were produced within my eye rather within the paper. It was established by use of green and IR light filters.
 

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