Kromatopsi

Kromatopsi is a term used in optics and color science to describe the phenomenon of seeing colors differently under varying illumination conditions. It is a subjective experience, meaning that the perceived color of an object can change depending on the spectral distribution of the light source. For example, an object that appears red under incandescent light, which is rich in red wavelengths, might appear a different shade or even a different color under daylight, which has a broader spectrum.

This variation in color perception is due to the way our eyes and brain process light. The cone cells in our retinas are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and their responses are interpreted by the brain to create the sensation of color. When the light source changes, the relative stimulation of these cone cells also changes, leading to a different perceived color.

Kromatopsi is a factor that needs to be considered in fields like photography, design, and manufacturing, where accurate color reproduction is important. Techniques such as color management systems and the use of standardized light booths are employed to minimize the effects of kromatopsi and ensure that colors are perceived consistently across different environments. It is distinct from metamerism, which refers to two objects appearing the same color under one light source but different under another. Kromatopsi is the single object changing its appearance.