Scientists in the U.S. have successfully used pinpoint laser stimulation of the retina to evoke the perception of a previously unseen color in human vision. This new color has been named “Olo.” The experiment involved targeting specific M-cones—photoreceptor cells sensitive to medium wavelengths—without activating neighboring cells. This selective stimulation tricked the brain into perceiving a unique color never before experienced.
To conduct the experiment, researchers first mapped each participant’s retina, identifying the exact location and type of photoreceptors. They then used micro-doses of laser light to activate only the targeted cones, avoiding others nearby. This produced a neural signal that the brain interpreted as a completely new color, outside the bounds of the standard visible spectrum.
The color “Olo” is described as something between peacock blue and turquoise, but with an extraordinary level of saturation. All five participants who saw the color noted its vividness and unfamiliarity. Researchers believe this technology could be used to generate other new colors as well.
Looking ahead, the team plans to apply the method in therapies for color vision deficiencies such as color blindness. The findings also pave the way for a deeper understanding of retinal function and how the brain processes visual signals—potentially leading to new approaches for vision correction.
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