Chinese Magic Mirrors
Safety Warnings
Warning: Avoid Eye Exposure
Purpose
Solid bronze mirrors with elaborately carved backs project the reverse-side pattern when reflecting bright light. Students see how microscopic surface curvature variations, created by casting stresses and polishing, affect reflection even when invisible to the naked eye.
Figure 1:
Setup showing the optical cable light source and a bronze mirror held about half a meter from the light, aimed at a wall.
Figure 2:
The reflected light (left) reproduces the carved pattern from the back of the mirror (right).
Figure 3:
The surface irregularities are faintly visible on the polished side when viewed under bright light, focusing on the mirror surface rather than the reflection.
Figure 4:
The collection of Chinese bronze magic mirrors available for this demonstration.