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Trichromes

What is a trichrome?

 

A trichrome is a process in which three filtered black-and-white images are combined to create a full color image. While this is typically achieved with Red, Green, and Blue filters, color filters can be replaced with wavelengths beyond human vision.

 

Red can be replaced with Infrared, Green with Visible, and Blue with Ultraviolet. This is similar to the method used by space telescopes for full color images. 

Cameras use a special piece of glass called a hot mirror to block wavelengths beyond human vision, commonly only letting though 400-700nm.

 

Depending on the sensor's design, removing the hot mirror can widen the overall sensitivity to ~300-1,000nm. Other factors, such as lens design and UV coatings, will affect the sensor's sensitivity.

Full Spectrum Sensitivity of a CCD Sensor

 

300nm

1,000nm

Spectrum Sensitivity

 

Cameras use a special piece of glass called a hot mirror to block wavelengths beyond human vision, commonly only letting though 400-700nm.

 

Depending on the sensor's design, removing the hot mirror can widen the overall sensitivity to ~300-1,000nm. Other factors, such as lens design and UV coatings, will affect the sensor's sensitivity.

fullspec_edited.jpg

Build your own Trichrome

 
 

Trichrome Channel Mixing:

 

300nm

1,000nm

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