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A method of determining the overall quantum efficiency of visual discriminations
Author(s) -
Barlow H. B.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.1962.sp006838
Subject(s) - citation , computer science , information retrieval , arithmetic , library science , mathematics
The present literature on quantum efficiency is confusing and contains contradictions partly because definitions of efficiency have differed, partly because false assumptions about the working of the eye have been implicit in the method of calculation used, and partly because the experimental results chosen for the calculations were obtained under different conditions. The present paper defines overall quantum efficiency, reviews the literature leading up to the present work, points out the difficulties that have arisen, and describes a new method for determining the efficiency that is simpler and more accurate than previous methods. The range of application and significance of quantum efficiency as a measure of visual performance are discussed. In the following paper (Barlow, 1962) some results obtained with the method will be presented. Definition. The overall quantum efficiency (F) of vision is most simply defined as the following ratio: