Flicker Stimulus: Definition and Characteristics
Flicker stimulus, also known as temporal modulation, is a type of sensory stimulation produced by rapidly changing the brightness of a light source over a short period of time. It is typically used in scientific research to measure visual sensitivity, temporal resolution, and to investigate the processes of vision.
Flicker stimulus is typically produced by a light source that alternates between two different levels of brightness. The change in brightness occurs at a certain frequency, typically ranging between 5 and 100 Hz. The amount of light produced by the source is usually measured in lumens (lm). The flicker stimulus can also be created by varying the luminance of a display, such as a computer screen.
The effects of a flicker stimulus on the human visual system can be divided into two categories: the basic effects and the special effects. Basic effects include changes in brightness, contrast, flicker threshold, and temporal resolution. Special effects include changes in color perception, pupillary response, eye movements, and binocular rivalry.
In general, the most important factor in determining the effects of a flicker stimulus is the frequency of the stimulus. Low frequency, or slow, flicker stimuli are typically associated with changes in brightness and contrast, whereas high frequency, or fast, flicker stimuli are associated with changes in temporal resolution and pupillary response.
For further reading, please see the following scientific journal articles:
-An empirical investigation of the temporal dynamics of flicker sensitivity and contrast detection, by M.R. Furlong and M.J. Morgan (Vision Research, Volume 57, Issue 1, January 2012).
-Flicker sensitivity and temporal resolution, by J.E. Legge and M. Weiland (Journal of Vision, Volume 10, Issue 8, 2010).
-The temporal dynamics of flicker stimulation, by K.R. Gegenfurtner and S.J. Luck (Journal of Vision, Volume 15, Issue 5, 2015).
-The effects of flicker stimulation on color vision, by S.M. Lee and J.E. Legge (Vision Research, Volume 77, Issue 1, January 2013).