An amazing semester of physics ended on Friday at the Light, Sound, Action! 18th Annual Physics Conference.

Students in PHYS 200 presented their research from all semester on a light, sound, or electronics physics subject of their choice. The presentations were based on our conference papers. I presented research from my paper, “Surprise! It’s not Pink.” on lighting design and color mixing with gel filters. Both my paper and presentation are available on the left sidebar.

Abstract: Lighting design is deeply situated in physics and colorimetry. Yet, lighting design students are seldom taught these principles. This paper will explore the physics of light and color, specifically with a focus on Roscolux color filters and their Spectral Energy Distribution curves and CIE coordinates. It will examine the ways in which designers can effectively use key concepts from these topics for their designs. Designers that understand these physics principles will be more apt to choose gels that make their design stronger and more cohesive, and these principles could open the door for technologically innovative research on practical lighting design and color filter mixing.