Thin Film

Thin Film

A thin oil film can additionally refract the light on a surface and produce a colored sheen. This effect can be seen on soap bubbles. By varying the simulated thickness of the oil film an additional play of colors can be created. In this example, a multiplied Noise Node is used to create the variation.

When light refracts in a very thin layer of oil, soap, etc, it bounces around and light interference starts playing a role. Since light consists of multiple wavelengths, some wavelengths cancel each other out (destructive interference) and / or boost each other (constructive

interference). Depending on the thickness, index of refraction and viewing angle, the characteristic colors of this effect will appear.