Berkeley, California – A groundbreaking study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley has brought to light the existence of a new color named ‘olo.’ This color is described as a vivid greenish-blue that challenges conventional color perceptions, offering a visual experience unlike anything previously seen.
In this innovative study, researchers utilized a new technique involving direct stimulation of the cone cells in the human eye using a focused laser light known as Oz. Through this method, they were able to stimulate individual cones to create a color that subjects described as “blue-green of unprecedented saturation.”
Traditional color technologies typically rely on spectral metamerism, which blends different wavelengths of light to mimic the perception of specific colors by the human eye. However, the Oz method introduced in this study takes a different approach by manipulating the spatial distribution of light on the retina, a concept known as spatial metamerism. This novel technique allows for the creation of a wide range of colors using a single monochromatic light source, eliminating the need for three light primaries commonly used in traditional systems.
Although the idea of single-cone stimulation is not entirely new, the study presents a significant advancement by demonstrating the ability to stimulate multiple individual cones to produce images and visuals. Dr. Misha Corobyew, Senior Lecturer in Optometry and Vision Science at The University of Auckland, noted that while single-cone stimulation has been explored in the past, the novelty of this study lies in the researchers’ ability to use this method to stimulate numerous cones simultaneously for image production.
Published in the journal Science Advances, this research sheds light on the potential for revolutionary advancements in color perception and stimulation techniques. By expanding our understanding of how the human eye perceives color and developing innovative methods to manipulate cone cell activity, scientists are paving the way for new possibilities in visual technology and artistry.