Light Applications of Turbid Liquids

In the research project ZAFH LED OASYS (Center of Applied Research at Applied Universities) different types of energy efficient optical systems for LED light were developed. One of these systems is a light that can be used both as a transparent window but also as a homogeneous panel light. To ensure the homogeneity and the transparency of the panel light, currently the special material "Plexiglas LED" is used. This contribution focuses on alternative materials with the same effect. Therefor the scattering effects and transmission properties of several liquids were investigated to find a cheap and easy-to-produce alternative. These liquids show physical effects like the ouzo-effect known from beverages containing aniseed oil or the tyndall-effect known from light scattering in fog. A liquid composition was found, that is nearly transparent and includes the needed scattering effects. With this liquid a conventional double-glazed window can be filled and adapted in such a way, that it can be edge illuminated with LEDs and used as a window and as a panel light.