The spectral sensitivity of the human short-wavelength sensitive cones derived from thresholds and color matches

Abstract

We used two methods to estimate short-wave (S) cone spectral sensitivity. Firstly, we measured S-cone thresholds centrally and peripherally in five trichromats, and in three blue-cone monochromats, who lack functioning middle-wave (M) and long-wave (L) cones. Secondly, we analyzed standard color-matching data. Both methods yielded equivalent results, on the basis of which we propose new S-cone spectral sensitivity functions. At short and middle-wavelengths, our measurements are consistent with the color matching data of Stiles and Burch (1955, Optica Acta, 2, 168–181; 1959, Optica Acta, 6, 1–26), and other psychophysically measured functions, such as π 3 (Stiles, 1953, Coloquio sobre problemas opticos de la vision, 1, 65–103). At longer wavelengths, S-cone sensitivity has previously been over-estimated.