January 24 Through February 4—TUCSON, ARIZONA: Annual show
Welcome to the GemologyOnline.com Forum
A non-profit Forum for the exchange of gemological ideas
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:18 am

All times are UTC - 4 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 9:41 pm 
Offline
Active Member

Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:02 pm
Posts: 56
Location: San Diego, California, USA
The GIA microscope diffuser plate is over $100, which seems like a lot for some translucent sheeting. Is there some inexpensive alternative plastic material with similar properties?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 10:10 am 
Offline
Gold Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:05 am
Posts: 1499
I don't know what size you need, but you can find all kinds of diffusers at Edmund Optics for less than $100.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:08 pm 
Offline
Site Admin
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm
Posts: 21602
Location: San Francisco
Does anyone use these diffusers?
What is your feeling?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:04 pm 
Offline
Active Member

Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:02 pm
Posts: 56
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Barbra Voltaire wrote:
Does anyone use these diffusers?
What is your feeling?


I have not yet. Presumably it helps when using light field to find curved striae in flame fusion Corundum. I have just been putting a facial tissue over the light opening, but it is not ideal and I'm not sure it really helps.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:57 pm 
Offline
Valued Contributor

Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 1:41 pm
Posts: 172
Barbra Voltaire wrote:
Does anyone use these diffusers?
What is your feeling?


I use them all the time. There is no replacement for a good diffuser. you may be able to find some translucent plexiglass type material that would work as well and not be so expensive. Old white plastic film canisters make excellent diffuser material also. I find tissue and other types of paper are terrible because they impart a texture from the fibers in the view field that is terribly distracting.

_________________
Professional Gemologist and Microscopist

The views expressed here are the author's opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the his employer.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:39 pm 
Offline
Valued Contributor

Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 1:41 pm
Posts: 172
girish wrote:
Barbra Voltaire wrote:
Does anyone use these diffusers?
What is your feeling?


I have not yet. Presumably it helps when using light field to find curved striae in flame fusion Corundum. I have just been putting a facial tissue over the light opening, but it is not ideal and I'm not sure it really helps.


Just a small FYI- A diffuse illumination is not useful for finding curved striae, it will significantly diminish this feature. Use direct transmitted light with no diffuser for best results when looking for curved striae. (slight shadowing will also help which can be accomplished by slightly closing the baffle in the microscope well to create the shadow edge)

:wink:

_________________
Professional Gemologist and Microscopist

The views expressed here are the author's opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the his employer.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Diffuser Plate Alternative
PostPosted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:06 pm 
Offline
Active Member

Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 11:24 am
Posts: 63
Sure, I use diffused light all the time; detecting diffusion treatment etc. I just take the plastic cover off the color grading fluorescent unit attached to the microscope. The translucent white plastic works great.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 4 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
Gemology Style ported to phpBB3 by Christian Bullock