A random signal where power spectral density is inversely proportional to frequency. While primarily an acoustics term, lighting and imaging engineers use pink noise patterns in spatial frequency testing and sensor calibration. Because it mimics the distribution of spatial frequencies found in natural images, it provides a more realistic test target than pure white noise.
Heard on the job
Run a pink noise pattern on the LED wall to check for processing artifacts before we shoot.
Insider tip
In visual testing, pink noise looks like a soft, cloudy static, unlike the harsh, sharp static of white noise.
Also heard as
- 1/f noise