What Flexible Opaque Black Material is Best for Light Shrouding?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a suitable flexible, opaque, black material for use as a light shroud in a joint between a spectrometer and camera. Participants explore various material options, their properties, and potential applications in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using Poron foam, which they have previously used, but is open to better alternatives.
  • Another participant proposes electrical tape as a potential option.
  • A different participant mentions closed-cell neoprene foam as effective when lightly compressed, particularly for use as a gasket.
  • Concerns are raised about PVC electrical tape being transparent beyond 900nm, making it unsuitable for the intended purpose.
  • There is a suggestion to gather more details about the specific requirements, as the original poster did not mention infrared (IR) considerations.
  • Some participants share humorous remarks about the use of IR viewers in everyday situations, indicating a light-hearted tone amidst the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of materials, particularly regarding the effectiveness of PVC electrical tape. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the best material for the light shroud.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the specific requirements for the material, such as the need for opacity in the infrared spectrum, which has not been fully clarified by the original poster.

Khashishi
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I'm looking for a material to use as a light shroud for a joint between a spectrometer and camera. Basically, I want something that is flexible, opaque, black, and fairly thin and not too fragile and something I can readily buy. Do you know any such material? I have used Poron foam before which works ok but I'm wondering if there is something better.
 
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Electrical tape?
 
I use closed-cell neoprene foam. Used as a gasket, when lightly compressed it is very effective.

PVC electrical tape is completely transparent beyond about 900nm - you can see right through it with an IR viewer, so I would avoid that.
 
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Khashishi said:
I'm looking for a material to use as a light shroud for a joint between a spectrometer and camera. Basically, I want something that is flexible, opaque, black, and fairly thin and not too fragile and something I can readily buy. Do you know any such material? I have used Poron foam before which works ok but I'm wondering if there is something better.

Fabric?
 
Daz said:
PVC electrical tape is completely transparent beyond about 900nm - you can see right through it with an IR viewer, so I would avoid that.
Hrm. OP didn't mention IR.

Perhaps we could use more details.
 
Daz said:
PVC electrical tape is completely transparent beyond about 900nm - you can see right through it with an IR viewer, so I would avoid that.
PF needs an award for totally fascinating and potentially useful cool trivia that only a true geek can appreciate.
 
Daz said:
That's why I always take my IR viewer along when shopping for new clothes! (Now there's a true geek!)
Or a perv...:biggrin:
 
Oooo that back-fired, didn't it? I was only joking, of course; I don't really take it.

At least, not since the court case. My probation officer won't allow it.

Still joking. REALLY! JUST JOKING!
 

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