Transparent Electronics
20 comments
·June 27, 2025justmarc
myself248
I wonder if this is hitting the frontpage today because of the interest in Lorde's most recent release, which is an entirely clear CD.
It looks like the protectors that would come at the top and bottom of a spindle of blanks, but there's music on it. (And very, very tiny printing around the edge with some copyright info.)
IAmBroom
So, the antithesis of the picture albums occasionally released in the 1970s? Cool!
janpmz
I've heared the part of the processor where the actual processing happens is so thin (0.2-0.3mm) that you might be able to see through it.
IAmBroom
Silicon seems to absorb 10^-4 per cm in the center of the visible band, so it would still be 99.5% opaque, even if printed on glass.
RossBencina
Is there a way to have a transparent plastic case that has RFI shielding and/or avoids accumulation of static charge?
myself248
Indium Tin Oxide.
greggsy
Sangean have been manufacturing several clear radios for the correctional industry for some time now.
Google ‘prison radio’ or ‘inmate radio’ for pictures.
IAmBroom
Again, these are ordinary radios with transparent structural components.
c-hendricks
Grew up during the era of see-thru plastics. Wasn't a fan then, still not a fan. I'd even prefer a case for PC that didn't have a window.
bregma
No window? How can you see the friendly glow of the vacuum tubes?
aa-jv
I see Gakken Electronics EX150 Denshi Block, I upvote!
https://www.are.na/block/27428352
This was the first 'transparent' electronics device I ever owned, back in the 70's .. it was always quite important to see the component in the Denshi block, a very nice touch. I think in this case, the transparency actually had a function - unlike many of the other cases.
reboot7417
Love seeing are.na on here
Simulacra
Reminds me of my time teaching in a prison. Typewriters, calculators, televisions, all clear plastic.
null
Very nice! But I came to see see through electronics, not cases.