What is Dichroic Alchemy?

Like ancient alchemists, the properties of Dichroic Glass were created from blending the highest quality transparent glass sheets with a magical mixture of precious metals that form a micron thin coating-Dichro. This Dichro is deposited via a special procedure deemed “vacuumed thin film deposition” which is essentially an evaporation process of fine metals floating up in a spinning chamber and evenly attaching themselves to the underside of a glass sheet.

The fundamental principle of alchemy in this process is the relationship of the color spectrum and the actions of light as it passes through the Dichro. Before being coated, all of the filter materials are clear and have no inherent color. The metals deposited form a crystal-like infrastructure that filters the light passing through it like a selective color mirror.

Power of Light

ALL light energy is then either transmitted or reflected. NO light energy is absorbed as is the case in typical glass where one part of the color spectrum is absorbed so the color we see optically is only a small part of the spectrum.

Dichro does not absorb the potential of light energy- it sets it free!

This free light-energy then bounces through the maze of crystal form structure and reflects/transmits the beautiful Dichroic colors. The colors are optically different when the angle of view shifts because we perceive a different “bounce” of the light-energy. This dancing quality of Dichro is one of the most enchanting. Dichro has one transmitted color and one totally different reflected color, hence the name Dichronic- “di” meaning 2 and “chronic” meaning color. The vibrancy of the shifting colors creates an alive effect that adds interest and richness to any artistic expression.

Evolution

Dichroic coatings were originally designed for use where there was a need for heat to be transmitted away from a high intensity light source. It was intended to filter the visual light while reflecting away heat in the form of ultraviolet, red rays.

Still today it is used in fiber optics equipment, movie cameras, certain light bulbs, space exploration equipment, and film projectors. Some creative people back in the 70’s had the great idea to experiment with the artistic applications of this medium and the rest is an evolving process of learning how to utilize this elusive magic- Alchemy.

BoroCoatings^Tm By Dichroic Alchemy

For the flame worker, bringing in the element of fire strengthens the crystal structure of BoroCoatings^TM making them denser and more tightly compacted…but we must still be respectful.*

Each batch of Dichroic is unique in character. The more a relationship is developed with the light-potential actions of Dichro, the better the understanding of how to protect and read/utilize those qualities.

The crystal structure needs oxygen to survive and color. For this reason, it is best to use an oxidizing flame when working the Dichro. Robbing the Dichro of oxygen breaks down the crystal structure producing a “flat” effect- light can no longer freely travel through glass.

The Dichro metals have been melted by an electric process during production, they do not need to be cooked again- just reheated.

Flameworking

BoroCoatings™ by Dichroic Alchemy have been specially designed by a flameworker to be flameworked in any way but the best results are acquired with patience and proper technique.

Our goal is to service the artist; phone/technical support is available for those having trouble getting our BoroCoatings™ and BoroImages™ into production and free demos are offered regularly at our Oregon warehouse for those interested.