Although I initially decided upon atmospheric optics as my topic of interest for this lab, I have a had a difficult time coming up with an acutal lab for it. I wanted to try to recreate the 22 degree halo with the two sundogs (parahelions), but I am not quite sure it that it possible. Then from there I'm not sure what that would achieve and how my research would develop from there. But I will continue my search and clarification for the project.
As an artist, optics in art seemed to relevant. Optics appears in art more often that thought of. Such as the optical illusions created by MC Escher of the "Illuminous Painting " of Dale TerBush and Thomas Kincade. More specifically, a newly developed art form sparked my inerest. It was developed by a research scientist at NASA. He used the combination of freezing water crystals with the carefully chosen alighnment of polarizers to create astounding images. This has now become a newly bloomingart form named "frizion" otherwise known as "frozen vision."
Night vision has been greatly enhanced over the recent years. New development have enabled us to create the most up-to-date imaging using infared and a crystal clear image. The technology and well-planned thought found behind these developements is most intriguing. Currently, an attempt to create full color night vision images that have th potential to be as clear as day.
While I am not quite sure of specific examples of relevance in engineering. I will take time to research the occurances of optics in both mechanical and aerospace engineering. I will later expand on this potential idea.