Perceptual Response to Optical Radiation of Different Spectra

 

 

It is known that color and brightness perceptions are governed by our response to optical radiation in different spectral regions, yet there is still much to learn. How does the composition of spectral power influence perceptions of brightness, color discrimination, color preference, and overall preference? Are some wavelength regions especially potent at eliciting positive impressions of color and brightness? Do some wavelength regions cause detrimental effects to impressions of color and brightness?

This presentation will provide an overview of work carried out by Dr. Houser and his colleagues that has identified spectral regions of particular significance. Spectral regions have been identified that strongly influence human perceptions of brightness and color per watt of optical radiation. The talk will outline the underlying theory, provide examples of supporting research, and demonstrate how this body of work has influenced the spectral design of electric light sources.

 

Biographical Sketch

 

Kevin W. Houser, PhD, PE, LC, LEED AP
Dr. Houser is a Professor of Architectural Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining Penn State in 2008 he was a founding faculty member of the architectural engineering program at the University of Nebraska. He has been the manager of Lighting Education for Philips Lighting Company and has also worked for Public Works and Government Services Canada, Elliptipar Corporation in Connecticut and Edwards and Zuck in New York City. Dr. Houser is the owner of Loucetios LLC, a lighting consulting firm based in State College, PA.

Dr. Houser is a licensed Professional Engineer, Lighting Certified (LC) by the National Council for the Qualification of the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), and a LEED Accredited Professional. He is former member of the Board of Directors of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and now serves on several of the society's technical committees. He is an educator member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education. He is one of the four editors of the 10th edition IES Lighting Handbook, is on the Editorial Advisory Board for Architectural Lighting, and is Editor-in-Chief of LEUKOS, the Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society. He is a board member of Lux Pacifica, representing IESNA.

His research has focused on the relationship between the spectral composition of light and human vision and has been recognized with the Taylor Technical Talent Award from IESNA and the Leon Gaster Award from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

At his university posts he develops and teaches courses in illuminating engineering and lighting design and he has designed international learning experiences for engineering students. The University of Nebraska recognized his student-centered approach to education with five teaching awards.

Dr. Houser earned B.A.E and PhD. degrees in Architectural Engineering from the Pennsylvania State Univiersity. As a doctoral student he focused on Architectural Lighting with a minor in Statistics. During that time he studied structural engineering in Leeds, England and architecture in Rome, Italy, and also served as the student representative on the Board of Directors for IALD.