(2017) Laser Kaleidoscope

A circular light box that incorporates moving lasers which generate twisting fractal shapes. 16 servos are evenly placed around the circle. Each servo has a laser diode on it, with a vertical fresnel len creating a line. The servos will rotate creating patterns inspired by mathematical formulas, cardioids and fractals. This project is based on this video Times Tables, Mandelbrot and the Heart of Mathematics by Burkard Polster also known as Mathologer. An interactive animation of these fractals.

Source code and make files can be found on my github page Laser Kaleidoscope

Video

A laser kaleidoscope pattern that I call "star burst - the alien lunch story" made for #luminescence art show at @burnabyarts. I have always been bad at naming things. #laser #projects #art #interactiveart #motion #movingart #patterns #glowing #kaleidoscope #servos #vancouver #vancouverart #laserart #redlight

A post shared by Steven Smethurst (@funvill) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:41pm PST

A laser kaleidoscope pattern that I call "two swords battle over a sandwich". I always been bad at naming things. Made for #luminescence art show at @burnabyarts. #laser #projects #art #interactiveart #motion #movingart #patterns #glowing #kaleidoscope

A post shared by Steven Smethurst (@funvill) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:02pm PST

Full scan pattern on the laser kaleidoscope project for #luminescence art show at @burnabyarts #laser #projects #art #interactiveart #motion #movingart #glowing #servos #patterns #artshow #kaleidoscope

A post shared by Steven Smethurst (@funvill) on Mar 9, 2017 at 9:57pm PST

Wiring

Parts

• Adafruit 16-channel PWM & Servo driver
• 16x 9g servo motors
• 16x line laser pointers
• Pololu 3.3V Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S7V8F3
• Mean Well DR-4505 - DIN Rail Power Supplies 25W 5V 5A
• DC Power Jack Barrel Plug Connector 2.1 Terminal

Displayed at

• Luminescence - Deer Lake Gallery - March 2017
• Vancouver Maker Faire - Vancouver - June 2017