Chronostasis is a perceptual phenomenon occurring during rapid eye movements, known as saccades, where the first image seen after the eye stops moving appears to last longer than it actually does. In lighting and display design, this effect can alter how observers perceive strobing lights, moving fixtures, or multiplexed LED displays, making a rapid pulse look momentarily frozen.
The flicker rate is technically fast enough, but chronostasis makes the first pulse look like a freeze-frame when you snap your head toward the stage.
Related terms
Stroboscopic effect
The way moving or rotating objects look stopped, slowed or multiplied under light that flickers.
Flicker
Rapid, repeated variation in light output over time, whether directly visible or not.
Time stop
A mechanical aperture control that adjusts its opening size based on a timed interval.