Written by MIRORlab Design Team
Light shapes our perception of the world and enables countless technologies we rely on daily. From the warm glow of sunrise to the precision of laser surgery, understanding light's properties allows us to harness its power in innovative ways. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the fundamental properties of light and discover how MIRORlab's design team leverages these scientific principles to create stunning lighting solutions.
What is Light?
Light is electromagnetic radiation within the portion of the spectrum visible to the human eye. It travels as both waves and particles (photons) at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum—the fastest speed possible in our universe. This duality gives light its remarkable versatility in applications ranging from telecommunications to art installations.
Key Properties of Light
Reflection
Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface. Following the law of reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This property explains why we see our image in mirrors and why shiny surfaces appear bright. Reflection can be:
- Specular reflection: Light bounces at a single angle from smooth surfaces like mirrors
- Diffuse reflection: Light scatters in multiple directions from rough or textured surfaces
Refraction
Refraction happens when light passes from one medium to another, causing it to change direction. This bending of light occurs because light travels at different speeds through different materials. Refraction is governed by Snell's Law and explains phenomena like:
- The apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water
- The formation of rainbows as light passes through water droplets
- The focusing power of lenses in eyeglasses and cameras
Transmission
Transmission refers to light's ability to pass through materials. The degree of transmission varies widely between substances:
- Transparent materials (like clear glass) allow most light to pass through with minimal scattering
- Translucent materials (like frosted glass) permit light passage but diffuse it
- Opaque materials block light transmission almost entirely
The transmitted light may be altered in intensity, direction, or color depending on the material's properties.
Absorption
When light strikes a material, some wavelengths may be absorbed rather than reflected or transmitted. Absorption converts light energy into other forms, usually heat. This property explains:
- Why dark objects become warmer in sunlight than light objects
- How photosynthesis works in plants
- Why we perceive objects as having specific colors
Diffraction
Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or through openings. This property becomes significant when light interacts with objects similar in size to its wavelength, causing:
- The spreading of light through narrow slits
- The iridescent colors seen on CD surfaces
- The limited resolution of optical instruments
Polarization
Light waves oscillate in multiple planes perpendicular to their direction of travel. Polarization refers to the restriction of these oscillations to a single plane. This property is utilized in:
- Polarized sunglasses that reduce glare
- LCD screens
- Stress analysis in transparent materials
Dispersion
Dispersion occurs when different wavelengths of light travel at different speeds through a medium, causing white light to separate into its component colors. This explains:
- The formation of rainbows
- The colorful spectrum created by prisms
- Chromatic aberration in lenses
How MIRORlab Harnesses Light Properties
MIRORlab's design team expertly applies these scientific principles to create lighting that transforms spaces. Their innovative approach leverages multiple properties simultaneously:
- Reflection: Strategic placement of mirrors and polished surfaces redirects light to create dramatic effects without additional energy use
- Refraction: Custom-designed glass and acrylic elements bend light in calculated ways, projecting captivating color patterns
- Transmission: Proprietary translucent materials diffuse light evenly while eliminating harsh shadows
- Absorption: Carefully selected surfaces absorb specific wavelengths to produce rich color effects. We intentionally use black color on the Nebula MIROR lens to increase color contrast.
- Diffraction: Precision-engineered elements create rainbow effects that evolve throughout the day
MIRORlab doesn't just illuminate spaces—they create immersive experiences by masterfully manipulating light's fundamental properties. Their sustainable designs demonstrate that beautiful lighting can be both visually stunning and environmentally responsible, turning ordinary environments into extraordinary experiences that engage the senses.