Dye Matrix

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IF we can embed the dye in a solid transparent matrix, then we can make a permanent practical aura lens. J.J. Williamson did it with a gelatin process in the '50s, '60s, but these are out of production today.

What materials should be tested?

• Shellac
  • All natural insect secretion, known for many centuries.
  • Compatible with many inks, paints, pigments, dyes.
  • Compatible with alcohols.
  • results
    • Not transparent enough when density is high enough for realistic filter
• Elmer's Glue
  • Water base is not readily compatible with pinacyanol / dicyanine dyes
• Acrylic / Polyethylene resin
  • Compatible with many inks, paints, pigments, dyes.
  • Compatible with alcohols.
  • Methyl Ethyl Keytone Peroxide as initiator
  • results
    • Initial plastic looked quite good.
    • MEKP polymerizer oxidized (bleached) the pinacyanol dye to near transparency within an hour of mixing. This happened even at minimum concentration.
• Gelatine
  • All natural material, traditionally used in photographic processes & fine filters.
  • Cationic membrane, should be compatible with / readily take pinacyanol dye
    • may need mordant material
  • Process
    • Create substrate material
      • Make your own negatives
    • Create gelatin emulsion
      • Making your own photo emulsion
      • Photographers Formulary Hard Gelatin
    • Treat glass or plastic base with substrate
    • Create gelatin base over substrate
    • Dye gelatin using alcohol / dye solution possibly plus a mordant (sodium chloride?, Urea?)
    • Speculate this is how Williamson / Metaphysical Research Group created their pinacyanol aura goggles.