Dichroic mirrors that reflect two wavelengths

In summary, there are polychroic mirrors or dual-band dichroics that can reflect and transmit two different wavelengths of light. There are also dual band filter sets that only allow two ranges of wavelengths to pass through. These can be found from various suppliers or custom manufactured for specific applications. Some labs even have custom quad- and penta-band filter sets for more complex fluorescence microscopy experiments.
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gkiverm
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In fluorescence microscopy, dichroic mirrors reflect light under a critical wavelength (used to excite the sample) and transmit light over a critical wavelength (emission light from the sample). Are there mirrors that reflect two different wavelengths of light and transmit the rest? Essentially a dichroic mirror with two regions of reflection and two regions of transmittance instead of one each.
 
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  • #2
Yes, these are often referred to as polychroic mirrors, dual-band dichroics, or dual- edge dichroics. If you're using two laser light sources, you could also get away with a standard dichroic to get rid of the shorter wavelength excitation light, and a notch filter to get rid of the longer wavelength excitation light.
 
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  • #3
Are there also filters that only allow two ranges of wavelengths to pass through as opposed to one? Basically a band pass filter with two regions of transmission. I'm sorry, I'm having little luck finding this online for some reason.
 
  • #4

1. What is a dichroic mirror?

A dichroic mirror is a type of mirror that reflects two specific wavelengths of light while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. This allows for the separation of different colors or wavelengths of light.

2. How does a dichroic mirror work?

A dichroic mirror works by using a special coating that reflects certain wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. This coating is designed to have different reflectivity for different wavelengths, creating the dichroic effect.

3. What are the applications of dichroic mirrors?

Dichroic mirrors have various applications, including in optical filters, laser systems, and microscopy. They are also commonly used in stage lighting and architectural lighting to create different colored effects.

4. How are dichroic mirrors different from regular mirrors?

Dichroic mirrors are different from regular mirrors in that they have a specialized coating that allows them to selectively reflect certain wavelengths of light. Regular mirrors, on the other hand, reflect all wavelengths of light that hit them.

5. What should be considered when choosing a dichroic mirror?

When choosing a dichroic mirror, factors such as the desired wavelengths to be reflected, the angle of incidence, and the type of coating should be considered. It is also important to ensure the mirror is of high quality for accurate and consistent results.

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