Oscillograph for Cosmic Rays
Phosphorescent Spinning Disc, Solenoid, Laser, Cosmic Ray Data
2017
Following a visit to Boulby Underground Laboratory with Laboratory of Dark Matters, I was keen to find a way of visualizing wave form data from the LUX Dark Matter detector in a way that is tangible and material. The data represents cosmic rays which have been detected along the way towards finding the elusive dark matter.
A recent project Pulsar Oscillograph used audio interpretations from a variety of pulsar stars to “draw” onto phosphorescence, using photo-acoustic techniques.
For Laboratory of Dark Matters, I was keen to develop this “Oscillograph” installation to visualise the wave form data given to me from the LUX Detector. The wave form data was transformed to audio by Steve Aishman using computer coding techniques.
A major development for this installation is the phosphorescent spinning disc which more closely resembles an “oscilloscope”. The movement of the disc allows for the wave-forms to be seen more clearly.
In place of a speaker, the laser is attached to a solenoid – a cylindrical coil of wire acting as a magnet which is push or pulled depending on the sound played through the device.
During the period of the laboratory, I aim to capture some of the wave forms onto photosensitive paper.