If you are feeling hungry after a hard day at school or in the lab, then check out the highly unusual cook book from OSA.

Ok. It’s not that unusual, but now that I got your attention, go try it out! I know we will be here at IYL_NZ.

Experimentation with edible optics:

Part one: Cook-a-thon

We wanted our optics to be made out of transparent or translucent materials, so gelatin and sugar are the obvious candidates. Following the instructions on the packet, we made up several batches of jelly

 

After that, we scrounged around the house for some molds that would give a good plano convex (1 convex, 1 flat side) lens shape. In the end, we settle on bowls or bowl-shaped things to use as molds because these also stood up well in the fridge

 

Not content with that, we also made some candy using sugar and water. Using

1. 1 cup sugar 
2. 1/2 cup water

and bringing these to 150 degrees Celsius (measured using a candy thermometer), we were able to then change the consistency of the jelly so that it was like glass and spread the molten mixture to cool into a flat sheet.

 

Conveniently, the aluminium foil on the back serves as a reflective surface, instantly turning our candy glass into an edible mirror!

Until next time, this is Mario, and the team from Photon Factory, reminding you that although lasers can be dangerous, but candy is always tasty!

Check out the handout here!