What is Light?
Light is all around us, shaping our perception of the world, but its true nature goes far beyond what we see with our bare eyes. At its core, light is an electromagnetic wave, a form of energy that moves through space, described elegantly by Maxwell’s equations. These fundamental laws of physics explain how electric and magnetic fields interact to produce waves of light that propagate across vast distances.
While we’re familiar with the colors of visible light, this is just a tiny slice of the vast electromagnetic spectrum. From the low-frequency hum of radio waves to the high-energy bursts of X-rays, light comes in many forms that our eyes can’t detect.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of this energy in ways we never expected, revealing the unseen wonders of light
Lights magnetic field observed close to the source in nearfield.
How is Light Modeled?
The behavior of light can be modeled using electromagnetism, a field of physics that beautifully captures how electric and magnetic fields interact. Maxwell’s equations describe the underlying principles of these interactions, governing everything from the light radiation and its interaction with objects. In my work, I use these principles to visualize the hidden complexities of light and radiation. Here are the four needed Maxwell´s equations in vacuum:
We can derive the wave equation from these four fundamental equations by manipulating Ampère’s and Faraday’s laws, where there are no free charges or currents (ρ=0 and J=0). By taking the curl of Faraday’s law and substituting it into Ampère’s law, we arrive at a second-order differential equation for the electric and magnetic fields. This equation, known as the wave equation, describes how electromagnetic waves, including the visible spectrum of light, propagate through space. In free space, the solution to this equation shows that electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, beautifully capturing the dual nature of light as both electric and magnetic fields oscillate in harmony.
Curved Boundary Integral Method and the Art of Light
I apply a mathematical approach called the Curved Boundary Integral Method in my artistic process. This method satisfies the wave equation and allows me to simulate how light radiates from a source shape, following electromagnetism's beautiful and intricate laws.
Using this method, I can translate abstract physical laws into artwork, where every piece reflects light’s complex journey through space. The results are scientifically precise and transform into visually stunning patterns, capturing the inherent beauty of light's waveforms. Here´s how it works in a nutshell;
1. Creating the Source
I begin by designing a unique source shape. This shape could be anything from a simple geometric form to a more complex structure.
2. Placing the Electric Field
Once the source shape is defined, I place an electric field onto the shape. This field becomes the starting point of the light’s journey.
3. Radiating Light
I calculate how this field radiates into the surrounding space. The results are beautiful and intricate patterns of light and waves.
Unveiling the Hidden Nature of Light in Art
In each of my pieces, light reveals its most intricate behaviors—phenomena that are often hidden from our everyday experience. Through the lens of near-field radiation, interference patterns, diffraction, and wave interactions, my art brings to life the complex dynamics that govern light's movement and interaction with matter.
Near-field radiation, which occurs close to the source of light, creates patterns that are rich in detail but invisible to the bare eye. These subtle effects are captured and visualized in my work, showing how light behaves in spaces we rarely observe.
Interference patterns, the result of light waves interacting with each other—add another layer of complexity. When these waves overlap, they can amplify or cancel each other out, creating intricate, ever-changing designs that highlight the delicate balance between order and chaos in the electromagnetic world.
Diffraction, the bending of light around obstacles or through small openings, introduces yet another fascinating effect. It produces fine patterns of light and shadow, revealing how light can spread and diverge, even in confined spaces.
By combining these effects with the broader principles of electromagnetism, my art offers a glimpse into the profound beauty and complexity of light. Every piece is more than just a visual experience—it's an exploration of the forces that shape our universe, showing how light dances through space, interacts with itself, and bends to the laws of physics.
