Dichroic Glass FAQs:

Dichroic glass was probably first made in the late 1800s in Germany by Arthur Pfeiffer. However, it was not until NASA developed the modern process for making it in the 1960s (found its unique properties beneficial as filters on the windows of the various space vehicles) that it became inexpensive enough that it could be employed in glassblowing though inexpensive is a relative term - dichroic glass is still quite pricey, due primarily to the way in which it comes into being. 

The process consists of depositing many very thin layers, most often one atom thick, of rare metals on the surface of a piece of glass. The glass is then placed in a vacuum chamber and bombarded by an intense electron beam. This beam vaporizes some of the material which then coats on the sheet of glass.
 

The brilliance of dichroic glass in sunlight and artificial light is remarkable. When dichroic glass is viewed at even slightly different angles, you will see a variety of different colors as you rotate it. "Dichroic" means two colors. Dichroic glass appears one color when seen by reflected light and another color when light shines through it. Dichroic coatings transmit certain wavelengths of light, while reflecting others, thus creating an interference-effect similar to the iridescence observed in nature’s fire opal, dragonfly wings and hummingbird feathers. A well-crafted dichroic piece can display many brilliant colors that change with the angle of view. Reminiscent of opals and ammolite which is the reason I "got hooked" on this material and am offering it to you.