I really hope you don't mind me asking questions here as Im not a science head. Instead im a craftsman. Normally Google is my best friend when if comes to finding out stuff but im stumped here to get the right help.

 

Basically I make suncatchers using crystals. . combinations of faceted spheres and octagons. For display purposes I want to be able to refract them on a wall using artificial light. Iv tried this with no success. Does it need to be a super strong bulb held close or far?or is there a type of light or bulb that I should be using to achieve good results?

 

Hope someone can help

 

Thanks in advance

 

Dave

 

 

Artificial sources may not have the same distribution of power across the spectrum as natural light, but you should still see a rainbow. One issue may be the divergence of the beam, since light entering at different angles will lead to the exiting light colors overlapping and adding together — you want something collimated. And bright.

Hi Swansont. So basically a very bright white laser?

A spotlight might be more practical

Also I've read the source wants to be as compact as possible to improve separation of the colours. Probably a car headlamp -type bulb.

Buy on of these and use it as is or try using the lasers alone or with the defractor. It definitely would be fun to play around with.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*In a scientific manner of course.

A basic power is needed to refract light artificially, so when the power is not that much\to the limit, then there may be unability to refract light. Sometimes even the angle at which the light passes from the source can be effective.if kept at any unusual position the light would diverge. Thus keeping in mind the angle and power of the light perform the experiment.