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?
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.
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.
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)
_________________ Professional Gemologist and Microscopist
The views expressed here are the author's opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the his employer.
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.
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