Mirascope, Parabolic Mirror, Parabola, Paraboloid, Hologram

Mirascope, Parabolic Mirror, Parabola, Paraboloid, Hologram

Warning: Mirascope will not work unless the interior surfaces are processed to function like a mirror.

Update

I have sent my PLA models to a professor of chemistry to see how they can be polished and coated, for the sole purpose of STEM exploration.

About Mirascopes

The mirascope is a mathematical toy made of two parabolic mirrors that fascinates children and adults alike. The two mirrors work together and project a small object placed at the bottom to the top, creating a hologram-like illusion (see reference by author). Mathematically, the focus of one mirror coincides with the vertex of the other, thus creating an illusion.

Mathematically, the included designs should work. However, it is extremely difficult to polish PLA surfaces to make a mirror. Special surface processing and coating are necessary to make a mirascope that actually works. Of course, one can make one using metal such as aluminum and then polish the surfaces. Alternatively, as a STEM project, you can work with a professional in another field (such as chemistry) to seek a solution. To save money and time (and frustration), you can just buy one from Amazon. Otherwise, have fun tinkering with multiple STEM ideas and processes.

Among the files

1. Version A is a mirascope in one piece, in need of extensive support to print well.
2. Version B is specially manipulated for printing with two pieces.
3. Version C also has two pieces in vertical position. The two pieces are .4mm apart.

####Reference

Bu, L. (2012). https://www.maa.org/press/periodicals/loci/modeling-the-mirascope-using-dynamic-technology-1-introduction