Plastic or glass that can block one colour/ wavelength?

In summary, a new member asked if there exists a type of plastic or glass that allows the user to see every color except for one. The answer is yes, it's called a filter, specifically a notch filter. It is used in Raman spectroscopy and can be found in line filters or interference filters. These filters work by blocking certain wavelengths or colors while allowing others to pass through.
  • #1
CuriousRupert
1
0
Hi, new member here, I know very little about physics so have no idea if this is a very basic question or not, but I was wondering if anyone knows the answer to the following:

Does there exist a type of plastic or glass that (whilst remaining completely see through) can allow the user to see every colour through it except for one?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
  • #3
Look up notch filters. They are used, for example, in Raman spectroscopy.
 
  • #4
DrClaude said:
It's called a filter.

yes but doesn't quite fill the OP's comment ... definitely not optically transparent at other wavelengths

CuriousRupert said:
whilst remaining completely see through
nasu said:
Look up notch filters. They are used, for example, in Raman spectroscopy.

http://www.semrock.com/filter-types-for-raman-spectroscopy-applications.aspx

Maybe the same problem sure ? ... only looked at a couple of sites

I wonder if visually looking through it if it appears transparent to everything ( like a sheet of clear glass) other than the notch wavelength ?
that is what the OP is asking :)

Dave
 
  • #5
davenn said:
yes but doesn't quite fill the OP's comment ... definitely not optically transparent at other wavelengths

http://www.semrock.com/filter-types-for-raman-spectroscopy-applications.aspx

Maybe the same problem sure ? ... only looked at a couple of sites

I wonder if visually looking through it if it appears transparent to everything ( like a sheet of clear glass) other than the notch wavelength ?
that is what the OP is asking :)

Dave

The line filters from that site appear to be exactly what the OP is looking for...
 
  • #6
Pretty much any optical filter that blocks only a small range of wavelengths will do. The notch filter from the link above works perfectly. It blocks practically all of the light within the notch's wavelength range (stopband) and allows almost all of the light outside of this range to pass through. The line filter does the opposite. It blocks everything except a small range of wavelengths from passing. I have a filter in my astrophotography camera's filter wheel that works identically to the line filter. It only allows light around 656 nm to pass through. I believe the passband is about 10 nm.

Wavelength is a better term to use here than "color" because color is both subjective and lacks an accurate way of measuring it. The color "red" exists over a wide range of wavelengths, and many people would disagree about where the color red begins and ends. There is no confusion if you use "wavelength" instead.
 
  • #7
Drakkith said:
Wavelength is a better term to use here than "color" because color is both subjective and lacks an accurate way of measuring it.

Exactly :) which is why I did

cjl said:
The line filters from that site appear to be exactly what the OP is looking for...
( http://www.semrock.com/filter-types-for-raman-spectroscopy-applications.aspx )

the notch filter, at least going by the graph ( lower right) would be OK. I was initially put off by the colouring of the filters used in their drawing but that was for the edge filters

the line filter ( as in the lower left graph) appears to be a narrow band pass which wouldn't be any good as it would have the opposite effect to what the OP wants

Dave
 
  • #8
Oh - you're correct. I was reading the graphs backwards.
 
  • #9
It's worth while pointing out that filters as precise as the ones in that link are seldom achieved with pigments or dyes. They will be Interference Filters, made with several layers of transparent materials, each of around a quarter the wavelength of the light, The multiple reflections between the layers ( at each interface) will cause constructive and destructive interference of different wavelengths. Interference filters are used to stop reflections on the surfaces of lenses (blooming of camera and binocular lenses) and to produce the stunning colours that you can get on thin oil films on water or in butterfly wings and bird feathers. Trying to do the same thing with pigments is hopeless because the way light interacts with the molecules in dyes is much less well defined.
See 'Dichroic Filters' in this link.
 

1. What is the purpose of plastic or glass that can block one colour/wavelength?

The purpose of these materials is to selectively filter out specific wavelengths of light. This can be useful in a variety of applications, such as in optical filters for cameras or in protective eyewear.

2. How does plastic or glass block one colour/wavelength?

These materials block specific wavelengths of light by taking advantage of their unique optical properties. For example, glass can block certain wavelengths of light by reflecting them, while plastic can absorb and scatter them.

3. Can plastic or glass block multiple colours/wavelengths?

Yes, it is possible for these materials to block multiple colors or wavelengths. This can be achieved by using a combination of different types of glass or plastic with varying optical properties.

4. Are there any potential drawbacks to using plastic or glass that can block one colour/wavelength?

One potential drawback is that these materials may not be able to block all wavelengths of a particular color. Additionally, the process of blocking specific wavelengths can also affect the overall transparency and clarity of the material.

5. What are some other uses for plastic or glass that can block one colour/wavelength?

In addition to being used in optical filters and protective eyewear, these materials can also be used in scientific experiments and studies where specific wavelengths of light need to be controlled or blocked. They may also have applications in technology, such as in the development of new display screens or sensors.

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