BeyondVisible
Ultraviolet, Infrared and Luminescence Photography
Shane Elen
NOTE - THIS SITE IS UNDERGOING A LONG OVERDUE UPGRADE WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS
The application of film based luminescence, reflected ultraviolet and infrared photography has always been a bit of a tedious
task but this has been greatly simplified through digital photography. While there are several interesting sites that discuss UV and IR techniques,
this site provides some unique contributions to the field in application, equipment data and modifications. Included is a unique gemological
forensic application, presenting the first ever reported and published images of pearls using reflected-ultraviolet photography (2006 Gem Research Conference).
Future additions to the site will also include some artistic as well as scientific application.
Natural & Ultraviolet image - Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105mm f4.5 and a Dedicated UV Enhanced SB-14 (Stage III)
Background
Since 1978 I have specialized in solid-state materials characterization through the application of microscopy and
spectrometry. This involved working with some unique materials, advanced imaging
and spectrometry techniques, some of which will be presented on this site (soon).
Since the majority of my work has involved characterizing material features beyond visible perception, beyondvisible.com seemed
an appropriate domain name.
RGB Spectral Sensitivity Curves: Nikon D70, D40, D200, D200UVIR
DSLR ICF (Internal Cut Filter) Transmission Curves
Extremely Brief Overview of Luminescence, Reflected Ultraviolet and Infrared, Digital
Photography
Luminescence, Reflected-Infrared and Reflected-Ultraviolet Digital
Photography: Gemological
Applications (2006 Gem Research Conference)
Reflectance spectra along with visible and ultraviolet images of natural colour yellow and treated colour yellow pearls |
Reflectance spectra of natural colour black and treated colour black pearls exhibiting different infrared reflectance properties |
Natural color gems and their treated color counterparts often exhibit a similar
reflectance in the visible region of the spectrum, but may show a distinct difference in the ultraviolet or infrared region. Reflected
UV and IR photographic techniques exploit these differences. The observation of fluorescence color or zoning is also often
important in identifying natural and synthetic gemstones, as well as color treatments. This poster presentation demonstrates the
possible application of these specialized digital photography techniques to identify natural and treated colour pearls,
however, they may be applicable to other gem materials.
Dealing with the Infrared Contamination of Ultraviolet Images
Dandelion flower reflectance spectra
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Infrared free ultraviolet image
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Infrared contaminated ultraviolet image
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Infrared image
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Monochromatic Ultraviolet & Infrared Testing of the Nikon D70
400nm response
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350nm response
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Monochromatic Ultraviolet & Infrared Testing of the Fuji S3Pro
400nm response
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350nm response
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Spectral transmission characteristics of UV and IR filters - measured, not theoretical data
Nikon SB-140 UV IR clone: A UV enhanced Nikon SB-14 Speedlight
(Left to right) Dedicated UV Enhanced Nikon SB-14 (Stage III), UV Enhanced Nikon SB-14 (Stage II - Nikon SB-140 clone) and standard Nikon SB-14
Nikon SW-5UV & SW-5IR clones: Alternative Flash Adapters for the Nikon SB-140 or UV Enhanced Nikon SB-14 Speedlight
UV modified Nikon SW-5 adapter - SW-5UV ultraviolet adapter clone
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UV Enhanced SB-14 (Stage II - Nikon SB-140 clone) fitted with an SW-5UV ultraviolet adapter clone
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UV enhanced Vivitar 285/285HV and 283
Vivitar 285HV modified for infrared (left) and ultraviolet (right). |
I have a limited number of ultraviolet and infrared modified flashes and adapters available
here
Vivitar 285HV (left), SB-14 (SB-140 clone) (center) and Sunpak 622 (right). |
Information Links - Ultraviolet, Infrared and Luminescence
In progress
Emission spectra of some common UV and IR light sources
Contact Author
Legal Disclaimer
The content of these pages are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily conform with others in the industry.
Copyright Information
No images, drawings or text contained in this site may be reproduced without the permission of the author, however feel
free to provide a direct link from your website. Thank you.
Updated Dec 2016