Claude Iehl, JeanPeroche, Bernard2015-02-162015-02-1620001467-8659https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8659.00421In this paper, we present a spectral rendering method based on a ray tracing algorithm and guided by a perceptual control of the error made. An adaptive representation of spectral data for light sources and materials is used and induces, for each pixel, the evaluation of an algebraic expression. For each visible wavelength, the computations of complex spread in refractive and dispersive materials, based on several photon maps, are locally restricted by an adaptive evaluation of the expression. This method allows to simulate high quality physically-based pictures and, in particular, some specific phenomena like dispersion in transparent objects, scattered caustics,. . .10.1111/1467-8659.00421291-300