Imagine a clock where the colors aren’t from LEDs but a physics phenomenon – polarization. That’s just what [Mosivers], a physicist and electronics enthusiast, has done with the Polarizer Clock. It’s not a perfect build, but the concept is intriguing: using polarized light and stress-induced birefringence to generate colors without resorting to RGB LEDs.
The clock uses white LEDs to edge-illuminate a polycarbonate plate. This light passes through two polarizers—one fixed, one rotating—creating constantly shifting colours. Sounds fancy, but the process involves more trial and error than you’d think. [Mosivers] initially wanted to use polarizer-cut numbers but found the contrast was too weak. He experimented with materials like Tesa tape and cellophane, choosing polycarbonate for its stress birefringence.
The final design relies on a mix of materials, including book wrapping foil and 3D printed parts, to make things work. It has its quirks, but it’s certainly clever. For instance, the light dims towards the center, and the second polarizer is delicate and finicky to attach.
This gadget is a splendid blend of art and science, and you can see it in the video below the break. If you’re inspired, you might want to look up polariscope projects, or other birefringence hacks on Hackaday.
The Dutch word of the year 2024 is “polarisatie” (polarisation) – in the political sense – hence all the video suggestions after this one where of very polarizing moments in Dutch politics…
Technically that’s true, but it wasn’t the word that was chosen by the people. It used to be a popularity poll and the one with the most votes would become the word of the year. They have made a statement that they did not like the results of the poll and decided not to use the one with over 95% of the votes. Seems typical given the multiple referendums that were ignored. So I guess they caused polarization.
“ Imagine a clock where the colors aren’t from LEDs but a physics phenomenon – polarization.”
Don’t LEDs use physics somewhere in them? I mean I know that it’s mostly magic spells, but I thought there was some physics in there deep down.
That looks like a different take on the classic Aurora Clock from the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA).