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DIY Visible Light Filter

A visible light filter is able to filter out all colors except for its own. For example, a green visible light filter will filter out every color except green, and a red one will filter out every color except red. Filters have applications in areas such as photography and scientific research. Typical ones are made with polymers and dye, or coated glass. To create a DIY visible light filter, construct one from colored transparent material, or color a transparency. The filter may be cut to the desired shape and size, though its thickness is limited to that of the material being used.

Things You'll Need

Transparencies
Colored cellophane
Colored report cover
Broad tip markers
Thin marker or pen
Ruler or compass
Cardboard
Glue
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the shape of the filter. Filters can be squares, rectangles, or circles.
- 2
  Determine the size filter you want to create depending upon your intended application.
- 3
  Place a sheet of cellophane on a clean flat surface. Draw a square or rectangle on it, using a ruler and pen or thin marker. For a circular shape, use the compass. To prevent the compass from piercing the material, protect the sheet with small piece of cardboard. Use scissors to cut the shape from the cellophane.
- 4
  Select a colored transparent plastic report cover. The surface must be smooth and wrinkle free. As before, draw a shape on it. Cut out the shape with the scissors.
- 5
  Obtain a transparency sheet. As before, it must be wrinkle free. Cut a small square or circle from it, and then color it with a broad tipped marker. Create more shapes, and make them different colors.
- 6
  Create a frame for the homemade filters. For each one, draw a pair of shapes onto cardboard. Cut the shapes out and remove their middle sections, leaving only 1/4 inch edges. Glue the filter onto one of the hollowed frames. Place a few drops of glue in the corners of the filter, and put the other hollowed cardboard piece on top of it, pinning the colored filter between two frame to hold it secure.

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