The Geidinger Phenomenon

The Haidinger phenomenon (W. R. Haidinger, 1795–1871), also known as the Haidinger effect, is a unique phenomenon in optical physics. It was discovered in 1860 by the Austrian physicist Wilhelm Reichar Heidingomer. This phenomenon is that when looking at white light through a blue filter, objects appear brighter and more saturated than under normal lighting. This occurs because the blue light passing through the filter is attenuated, while the red and green light remain unchanged. As a result, objects that normally appear dull and pale appear brighter and more saturated against blue light.

The Haidinger effect was first described in 1965, but it was not until 2006 that its origins were explained. The human eye has been found to be sensitive to red and green light, but not blue. When blue light passes through a filter, it is attenuated and is perceived by the human eye as weaker than red and green. As a result, objects that normally appear dull and pale appear brighter against a blue background.

This effect can be used in various fields such as advertising, design and medicine. For example, in advertising, the color blue may be used to draw attention to a product that would normally appear dull and inconspicuous. In design, blue can be used to create bright and rich hues that draw attention to the subject. In medicine, the color blue can help patients relax and calm down, which can improve their health.

However, the Heidinger effect can also have negative consequences. For example, when watching movies with a blue filter, objects may appear brighter and more saturated than they really are. This can lead to distorted perception of objects and imbalance between colors. Therefore, when using the Heidinger effect, it is necessary to take into account its possible negative consequences and use it with caution.