Electricity & Energy
Knock Light
Knock, knock: How does movement become light?
Each knock generates an electrical signal that is converted into moving points of light. This makes sensors and digital signal processing visible.
The Science Behind It
So-called piezoelectric sensors are installed beneath the wooden panels. When you knock, they briefly deform. This rapid mechanical change generates an electrical signal, which is sent to a computer. The computer converts it into moving points of light that travel along the strips. Each knock starts a new movement of light. This makes it possible to see how a brief movement creates an electrical signal, which is then turned back into light.
