Create DIY Light Intensifier Using Disposable Materials

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around creating a device intended to intensify light directed at a light intensity sensor, using a small light bulb positioned 25 cm away from the sensor. The device must be 20 cm long and is to be constructed from disposable materials. Participants explore the design and functionality of a light intensifier, particularly focusing on the use of a lens and the implications of focal points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of a tunnel to trap light and the placement of a magnifying glass as a converging lens. Questions arise about the relevance of the focal point and the necessary distance for effective light intensification. Some suggest using a pipe with lenses at both ends or a fiber optic cable for light concentration, while others emphasize the limitations of using a single lens and the potential need for alternative designs, such as a parabolic mirror.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various design ideas being proposed. Some participants provide guidance on the implications of using a single lens and the nature of light concentration versus amplification. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are constrained by the requirement to use only one lens and to utilize household materials. There is also a focus on understanding the principles of light behavior, such as reflection and refraction, in the context of their designs.

Zoe F
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1. I am supposed to create a device that can intensify the light directed at a light intensity sensor. A small light bulb will be 25 cm away from the light sensor. My device is required to be 20cm long and placed in between the light bulb and the light sensor in order to make the light that is entering the light sensor to be more intense. How should my device look?I believe that by trapping the light through a tunnel and at the very end I could insert a magnifying glass as it is a converging lens. However, I am worried about the focal point. Is the focal point relevant? Should my magnifying glass be at a certain distance in order to intensify light or will it intensify the light regardless. I am allowed to use any disposable, recycable and household materials in order to create this device.
 
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Since this is HOMEWORK you'll get design examples, selection and calculations are upto you.

Use a pipe with standard magnifying lenses at both ends.
The bulb should be at the focal point of the lens which will then allow the light to move parallely. This parallel light will hit the lens at the other end which will conc. it on the light sensor at its focal point.
OR
You can use a fibre optic cable for total internal reflection.

THESE PROCESSES ARE CONCENTRATION OF LIGHT NOT AMPLIFICATION!

amplification would require a much more complicated design.
 
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Rippetherocker said:
Since this is HOMEWORK you'll get design examples, selection and calculations are upto you.

Use a pipe with standard magnifying lenses at both ends.
The bulb should be at the focal point of the lens which will then allow the light to move parallely. This parallel light will hit the lens at the other end which will conc. it on the light sensor at its focal point.
OR
You can use a fibre optic cable for total internal reflection.

THESE PROCESSES ARE CONCENTRATION OF LIGHT NOT AMPLIFICATION!

amplification would require a much more complicated design.

Thank you, however I am only allowed one lens. So currently, I have created a tunnel using aluminium foil with the lens at the very end. Therefore, my light bulb is approximately 20 cm away from the lens and the light rays emitted from the light bulb travel through the tunnel and refract upon reaching the lens. The lens is placed 5 cm away from the light sensor, will this device be successful?
 
Zoe F said:
1. I am supposed to create a device that can intensify the light directed at a light intensity sensor. A small light bulb will be 25 cm away from the light sensor. My device is required to be 20cm long and placed in between the light bulb and the light sensor in order to make the light that is entering the light sensor to be more intense. How should my device look?I believe that by trapping the light through a tunnel and at the very end I could insert a magnifying glass as it is a converging lens. However, I am worried about the focal point. Is the focal point relevant? Should my magnifying glass be at a certain distance in order to intensify light or will it intensify the light regardless. I am allowed to use any disposable, recycable and household materials in order to create this device.

Zoe F said:
Thank you, however I am only allowed one lens. So currently, I have created a tunnel using aluminium foil with the lens at the very end. Therefore, my light bulb is approximately 20 cm away from the lens and the light rays emitted from the light bulb travel through the tunnel and refract upon reaching the lens. The lens is placed 5 cm away from the light sensor, will this device be successful?

Welcome to the PF.

Do you know how to draw ray tracing diagrams? You can use that technique to figure out what the shape of the reflecting tunnel should be. You should also look at how different telescope designs are put together to see if that gives you other ideas.
 
Zoe F said:
Thank you, however I am only allowed one lens. So currently, I have created a tunnel using aluminium foil with the lens at the very end. Therefore, my light bulb is approximately 20 cm away from the lens and the light rays emitted from the light bulb travel through the tunnel and refract upon reaching the lens. The lens is placed 5 cm away from the light sensor, will this device be successful?

Listen Zoe If you HAVE to use only 1 lens remember that the standard lens conc only parallel light to its focal point. All other incident light angles will be deviated to nearabout.
So reflection in the tube will carry the light to the lens but not hit it parallely. The light will therefore be conc but not all at the focal point.
I would suggest removing the tube and using a parabolic mirror instead
 
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