Oe-2 Light Trapped in a Stream of Water
Published: Wednesday 15 March 2006 - Updated: Monday 28 March 2011
Aim
To demonstrate how a beam of water may be guided by total internal reflection to follow a curved path in a spout of water.
Apparatus
- Laser
- Fish tank
- Large beaker
- Labjack
Diagrams
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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Water Light Pipe |
Light Trapped in Water Stream Diagram |
Videos
Water Light Pipe Closeup |
Water Light Pipe |
Description
This intriguing demonstration of total internal reflection shows how light may be trapped and guided by an unbroken stream of water flowing from a glass jar. A laser beam is initially aimed at the back of a small stopper, through the opposite side of the glass jar. When the stopper is removed the beam is guided by the stream of water and shows up as a brilliant spot where the stream lands. The effect is made visible to a large audience by catching the stream in a large fish tank and inserting a sloping white screen onto which the stream of water splashes.