Date of Award

3-23-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Computer Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Brett J. Borghetti, PhD.

Abstract

This thesis research looks at the effects of short duration, high intensity, short wavelength light with the goal of determining if converting typically white colored lights in breakrooms and bathrooms to blue will cause workers who normally work in a low light environment to be more alert and productive. Sixteen participants were outfitted with Electroencephalography (and Electrooculography (EOG) equipment before being exposed to 200 lux of either 460 nm blue light or D6500 white light for 30 minutes. Afterwards, the light levels were changed to 3.5 lux of D6500 light and the participants were asked to perform six cognitive tests that were selected to measure response time, response control, selective attention, working memory and semantic memory. Results showed that the white light condition improved response time over blue light in tasks that required a choice to be made but had no effect on accuracy. Similarly, subjective alertness as measured from the Stanford Sleepiness Scale showed a lower decrement in alertness over time in the white condition over the blue condition, but initial alertness was less affected.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENG-MS-18-M-012

DTIC Accession Number

AD1055978

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