Cortical potentials evoked by short wavelength patterned light

Pattern-evoked cortical potentials (PECPs) were recorded in response to the onset of blue and black, square wave gratings superimposed on a bright orange background. Several lines of evidence, including spectral sensitivity and the absence of response in a tritanopic subject, indicate that the measured cortical potentials reflect input from S cones. Spatial and temporal tuning of this response are comparable to psychophysical measures of the S-pathway. In agreement with previous studies of achromatic and chromatic spatial processing, a comparison of the response to patterns of different complexity indicates that spatial processing in the S-pathway can be described by linear systems analysis. An oblique effect for the S-pathway is demonstrated. Additional findings which bear on the nature of postreceptoral processing in the S-pathway are considered. Included are measurements from a patient with diabetic retinopathy. This study underscores the potential importance of the S-pathway for spatial information processing.