modeling a "lightpipe"

Can this be done using photoworks 2.

ie, can I build an LED, set the materials properties as emissive and have
it shine thru a part that is transparent ?

Or, is there a way of positioning a light source at the center of an LED and
having it be directed thru a clear part.

(This is not for physical modelling, but more for visualization, I realize
the complexity of the optics and I am not trying to simplify it)

thanks

matt

 

matt,


Since none of the experts have answered, I'll try, although I don't use PW
much and haven't even tried PW2. I think, from what I've seen in the
newsgroup, that either of these approaches would work, with one big caveat.
As I recall, you set a value for the number of reflections that PW allows.
(The light gets absorbed after the last allowed reflection.) If you set the
number too high, like more than four, your rendering will take a really long
time to solve. If your lightpipe requires more than four internal
reflections for much of the light, then you won't get a very good rendering.

On the other hand, I don't even know if PW handles internal reflections, so
I could be completely out to lunch.

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

Yes, you would want to set it to "Constant" and enable "Indirect
Illumination" to have it shine and cast a slight shadow or glow
thusly...
http://www.mikejwilson.com/misc/neon_lights3.jpg

A point light would work best for this and produce a killer looking
LED if you set it up properly.

Maybe these files still work?
http://www.mikejwilson.com/misc/pw2_light_bulbs.zip

There is a JPEG in there showing some settings.

Mike Wilson