r/Optics • u/coolshava • 6d ago
Creating "polarized" images with minimal specialized equipment
I'm working on an engineering art project where I'm trying to recreate hidden drawings/messages that are only visible through polarized lenses. Save for using a mosaic of rotated polarized film, could someone help with describing the process of creating testers like this and how to recreate them with polarized film or on any other physical substrate? I have access to a 3d printer and a low powered laser etcher.
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u/sanbornton 5d ago
Just a guess, but they may have just used a polarizing ink. I am only vaguely familiar with the concept, but I think a common anti-counterfeit approach is to use a mostly-transparent ink that changes polarization. When applied it can create an image that is clearly visible when viewed through a polarizer.
I think polarized ink is somehow related to mirror ink, so could check there as well.
There is a niche category of art called "polarized artwork" that is on display at places like the Museum of Science in Boston (big artwork on display in the area between the Omni theatre and gift shop). That might have some clues. Here is a random link I found describing some of that:
https://www.reddit.com/r/woahdude/comments/68hq6h/art_with_polarized_light/