Illuminating waveguide

Abstract

Optical waveguides are usually performed as a light pipe to guide light along the waveguide. They are used in a variety of applications such as computer networking, broadcasting, telecommunications, and performing strain measurements in buildings.

Conventionally, optic fibres are used to transmit data via light. However, when designed to extract light instead of solely guiding light, the optical waveguide can be converted to an illuminating fibre for decorative purposes.

This project studies the use of such an illuminating optic fibre to design and execute a real-life application which has artistic capabilities. It includes understanding how the fibre optic illuminates light, experimenting with different ways of using the illuminating fibre optics to create different lighting textures, and conceptualizing and executing a design application using the illuminating fibre optic technology. It aims to marry the two fields of the arts and technology to create a creative design application innovation.

This project is a collaboration between the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and School of Art, Design and Media.