Diffuser (optics) facts for kids

Effects of a diffuser in close-up photography (for more information, see file description)

In optics, a diffuser (also called a light diffuser or optical diffuser) is any material that diffuses or scatters light in some manner to transmit soft light.

Diffused light can be easily obtained by reflecting light from a white surface, while more compact diffusers may use translucent material, including ground glass, teflon, opal glass, and greyed glass.

Images for kids

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  Top left: original image. Bottom left: diffusion filter. Top right: cross-screen effect. Bottom right: lomo effect.

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  Diffuser on a camera flash. Made from a sheet of paper, a rubber band, and two staples.

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  A more formal diffuser filter over a camera flash, flanked by reflectors

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  Flash diffuser to be mounted on a camera

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  Softbox diffuser; a larger area spreads the light more

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  A lighting technician holds a reflector to diffuse the light falling on a politician

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  A home-made lightbox, designed to produce images with diffuse lighting from all angles

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  Lightbox photography

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  Both transmitting (softbox) and reflecting diffusors are used to light wagashi for a television program

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  Studio lights, one white, two metallized

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  Theatrical colour magazine or boomerang. Placed in front of a stage light, it gives quick changes in lighting gel, including a diffusion filter

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  Shōji