Fourier analysis of the stimuli for pattern-induced flicker colors

Pattern-induced flicker colors (PIFCs) were observed and color matched in rotating discs from which higher-harmonic Fourier components in the square-wave temporal luminance functions of a conventional black-and-white Benham disc had been removed. Since both reddish-brown and blue PIFCs were visible with purely sinusoidal stimuli they cannot result from differences in temporal stimulus shape or pattern and do not provide evidence for a temporal coding theory of color. Green PIFCs differed in that they did require the presence of additional harmonics. In a second experiment the luminance means upon which the sinusoidal PIFC stimuli were imposed were varied. The results show that color is determined by the phase of the time-varying contrast between the two parts of the stimulus pattern. This points to a site proximal to the outer plexiform layer for the phase-sensitive interaction causing PIFCs.