Next: Patterns
Up: Practical Use of Color
Previous: Glass, Gelatine and Plastics
  Contents
  Index
A fairly recent development in color filter technology has given the
industry the dichroic filter. Dichroic filters (dichros
- pronounced ``dye-crows'') are glass filters with thin
layers of metallic oxides deposited on them. Dichros transmit certain
frequencies of light while reflecting others. Due to their nature,
the color of the transmitted light is different from the color of the
reflected light, which are both different from the color of the dichro
when viewed at a 45 degree angle. While this is an interesting
characteristic of the filters that has its own set of applications,
the most important thing to remember about dichroic filters is that
they will produce a saturated, pure, single wavelength of light when
used on an instrument. Dichroic filters can be obtained that produce
near-ultraviolet light, which can be used to produce an interesting
night-time effect, similar to that produced by a black light. The
primary reason for using dichroic filters is for the purity and
permanence of color. Plastic gel tends to burn up, especially dark
colors. Dichroic filters are expensive, but will not burn up with
use, thus making them good investments.
Next: Patterns
Up: Practical Use of Color
Previous: Glass, Gelatine and Plastics
  Contents
  Index
Steve Richardson
2000-07-06
Use of information in this document implies understanding and agreement with the copyright and terms of use. Specifically, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the information contained within. YOU USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. You must obtain permission from the author before using the contents of The Handbook for anything other than private use.
|