How do led infinity tunnels work?

[BobA]

I am trying to build one of those light boxes where you look in and the leds (or bulbs) stretch on to infinity.  My original idea is that the back is a mirror and the leds are in front of that. The leds will be connected to a sequencer for patterns and spaced around the outside edge inside the box. In front of the leds is a smoked half silvered mirror facing inward.   Half silvered mirror or 1 way glass are just terms I thought might apply.  I am not sure what it is sold as or where to actually buy it.

Does anyone know if my idea is correct before I go out and start buying pieces? I have never actually had one that I could take apart so I am guessing.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

BobA

[planetjay]

Front is a 2 way mirror. Some light reflects back in, some comes out. Back is a regular mirror. I have never seen one use LEDs. The reason would be that light bulbs cast light in all directions. LEDs only send light in a narrow cone.

However if you mounted the LEDs IN the back mirror it might work. Also note that mirror angles are very hard to get right.

[BobA]

Front is a 2 way mirror. Some light reflects back in, some comes out. Back is a regular mirror. I have never seen one use LEDs. The reason would be that light bulbs cast light in all directions. LEDs only send light in a narrow cone.

However if you mounted the LEDs IN the back mirror it might work. Also note that mirror angles are very hard to get right.

Thanks I forgot about the LEDs being directional.  Maybe a christmas light string may not be a bad idea. I am looking to put one on a jukebox.

BobA

[RandyT]

Just remember that whatever you use, the brighter it is, the better it will work.

A half silvered mirror (beamsplitter) that has a 50/50 coating on it (without accounting for absorption and using a theoretical "perfect" mirror) is going to let:

50% through on the first "ring"
25% on the second
12.5% on the third
6.25% on the fourth
3.125% on the fifth
and so on.......

In reality, it will be less.  How much less depends on the quality of coatings used.

I'm thinking that PJ's idea of mounting superbright (10,000mcd) white LEDs through from the back of the mirror would be an interesting thing to try.  When you look at those things straight on, you see green spots for about 15 minutes afterward

Oh, and you'll want to use a first-surface mirror and make sure the reflective coating on the beam-splitter is facing inside.


RandyT

[planetjay]

I'm not say that drilling a mirror would be easy either. But I woul dlike to see it.

[RandyT]

I'm not say that drilling a mirror would be easy either. But I woul dlike to see it.

I'm thinking some of that mirrored plexi.  Not ideal, but within reach of average handyman skills.

To do glass, you'd need a dremel tool and a diamond drill bit.  A squirt bottle with some coolant would be a very good idea as well.  A small dam could be made around the drilling area with modeling clay to retain the coolant.

In case anyone wants to try it .

RandyT

[Kane]

From http://www.michaelholigan.com/Departments/projects/infinity.asp

The infinity mirror has lights that seem to go very deep into the frame.  It's particularly dramatic in a darkened room.  However, when the mirror lights are off and the room lights are on, it's just like an ordinary mirror.   The basic idea is that there is a one way mirror at the front of the unit.   Behind is another mirror.  The lights reflect against the mirrors which in turn reflect against each other which give you the effect of depth.
Our model what made with leftovers: scrap lumber, a string of Christmas lights, two panes of glass, and some leftover reflective film designed to control sun and reflect it back out of your house.   When the highly reflective film is applied to glass, the glass become a one way mirror.

Here are the components and their sequence, starting at the back:

Cardboard backing piece painted black
Glass to which sun control film has been applied.  This film comes in several densities.  Get the most reflective density available (80% or greater).  The black backing makes this into the equivalent of a regular mirror.
Outer frame made from 1"x4" boards.  This frame should be big enough to leave 1" space all around the inner frame "D". This space houses the electrical cord.  This outer frame can be stained or painted to suite your decor.
Inner frame made from 1/2" or thinner slats with holes drilled every inch on all 4 sides.  Drill holes to accommodates sockets in strings of lights and let the number of lights control the size of this frame.  Start your basic construction of this unit.
Christmas tree lights: use a string of 100 or 1 pair of 50-light strings.  We used assorted colors because that's what was available, but you'll attain a more dramatic effect will all white lights
Blocks of wood glued at all corners to hold inner and outer frames in position.
Posterboard mat cut to hide gap between inter and outer frames.
Outer glass also has sun control film applied to it.
Frame of molding holds glass in place and give finished look to front.
All of the components within the frame that are visible should be black.  Be sure to leave a hole in the back for the wire and plug.

There is the basic idea, but you can adapt it to your own design.  Use more lights or make the frame oblong instead of square.  You can use the basic idea as a wall hanging or lay it flat and make an infinity table.  In fact, go into a mod furniture store and look at some of the store bought models for ideas.  Also, look at the price tag (from $200), and go home to reflect on how you'll save doing it yourself.

[BobA]

Thanks for the detailed instructions Kane.  The reflective film is a great idea and probably alot cheaper then special 1 way glass.

BobA

[Kane]

no problem. I was looking in to doing one of these as well but then I found out about BYOAC and thats all I've been doing in my free time (which isn't very much lately)

[Frostillicus]

These do look cool.  I found THIS site online that sells big ones.  Click on Infinity Mirror Panels - how cool is that 4' x 8' one? Someone should build these into the sides of their cab

[BobA]

The look cool.  Something mesmerizing about them when they have chasing lights.   I notice that the 2 x 2 unit is only 2 inches thick.  With framing etc that must mean that the mirror surfaces are only 1 to 1.5 inches apart.  Another dimension that I needed to know to get the right effect.

BobA

[Frostillicus]

The look cool.  Something mesmerizing about them when they have chasing lights.   I notice that the 2 x 2 unit is only 2 inches thick.  With framing etc that must mean that the mirror surfaces are only 1 to 1.5 inches apart.  Another dimension that I needed to know to get the right effect.

BobA

Hmm - no kidding on the coolness.  Darnnit now I'm imagining that giant one hanging on a wall - with green lights instead of white and a sign above it that says :"The Rabbit Hole"  in matrix lettering  Maybe some very very light transparencies hung inside of matrix code that descend the whole way down....

Are you planning on putting one on the front/side/top of your jukebox?
In that link that Kane posted (thanks Kane), the guy used a four inch width I believe (there's a little diagram - very handy).  

[BobA]

I am looking at putting one on the front of the jukebox but I might have to experiment.  If I had a double layer of lexan in front of the Monitor I could almost replace my bezel with mirrored film and have the monitor floating in the center of the infinity tunnel.  Or maybe have it behind the reflective film so you only see the monitor when the screen is on and the infinity tunnel when the screen is off or in screen saver mode.  Ideas Ideas and more Ideas.

BObA