| The most important thing to remember about | | | | chamber which contains an electron gun and a |
| dichroic glass is that the glass itself is not dichroic. | | | | crucible or container where the metal oxides are |
| The glass does not produce the colors; it is the | | | | kept. Air is pumped out, compressing the |
| 'coating' of micro-thin sheets of various oxides | | | | pressure inside the chamber and at the proper |
| and quartz that are applied to the glass surface. | | | | time, the electron gun is activated, vaporizing the |
| This creates an 'interference filter' which acts to | | | | oxides. The vaporized oxides will condense and |
| either reflect or transmit light depending on the | | | | cling to any surface within the chamber - |
| oxides used, the thickness of the layers, and | | | | especially the glass. |
| other such factors. Making dichroic glass is a | | | | Once the desired oxide thickness is achieved, the |
| four-step process. | | | | electron gun is turned off and a new oxide is |
| First, the glass is cleaned thoroughly in a spotless | | | | positioned for use, if needed. The process is |
| environment which, depending on its eventual use, | | | | repeated until the desired thickness of the coating |
| may take up to four cleansings to make the glass | | | | - or the planned color - is achieved. |
| meet technical specifications. The tiniest bit of dirt, | | | | Air is then slowly pumped back into the chamber, |
| fingerprints or a spot of water can have an | | | | gradually cooling the fused glass, and bringing the |
| undesired effect on the glass. | | | | pressure inside the chamber back to normal. The |
| Once the glass is cleaned, the second step takes | | | | vacuum chamber is opened and the glass brought |
| place - the glass is placed in a kiln or a vacuum | | | | out, inspected, packed and shipped. |