Spectral sensitivity function measured by a rapid scan flicker photometric procedure.

A rapid scan flicker photometric procedure is described whereby continuous spectral sensitivity functions are measured from unpracticed observers in 30 min. The 30 min includes instructions, practice, and data collection. Data are presented from four unpracticed observers age 12 to 42 years. Three practiced observers had their spectral sensitivities measured by both the conventional and rapid scan methods. The conventional method took 1.5 hr, measuring at 25 wavelengths and repeating each three times. The agreement between the rapid scan and conventional methods is satisfactory. Comparison with Judd's correction of CIEV (lambda) yields the same deviations as expected with conventional flicker photometry. The rapid scan procedure is shown to yield acceptably consistent data. The advantages of the rapid scan method for basic and applied vision research is discussed.