Dichroic mirrors that reflect two wavelengths

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the existence and application of dichroic mirrors and filters that can reflect and transmit multiple wavelengths of light, particularly in the context of fluorescence microscopy. Participants explore the potential for mirrors and filters that operate with dual or multiple bands of reflection and transmission.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of dichroic mirrors that can reflect two different wavelengths and transmit others, suggesting a need for more complex optical components.
  • Another participant confirms the existence of such mirrors, referring to them as polychroic mirrors or dual-band dichroics, and mentions the use of standard dichroics and notch filters as alternatives for specific applications.
  • A different participant asks about filters that allow two ranges of wavelengths to pass through, indicating a search for band pass filters with dual transmission regions.
  • In response, a participant suggests looking for dual band filter sets from suppliers and notes that custom filters and multichroic mirrors can be manufactured for specific experimental needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of dual-band dichroics and filters, but there is no consensus on the specific applications or the best approaches to achieve the desired optical effects.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the specificity of applications for custom filters and mirrors, as well as the potential variability in availability from suppliers.

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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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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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.
 

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