Details
Just a (Relative) Phase is an interactive light installation that explores wave interference, phase relationships, and emergent pattern formation. It was originally created for a Pacific Science Center event in Seattle focused on STEM and art. Four visual modes—linear, radial, hybrid, and grid-based—show how simple oscillations interact to produce complex structures. Using a real-time shader, the piece generates dynamic wave fields built from interacting sine-wave systems. These waveforms are rendered as light across three panels, with video textures drawn from natural forms layered on to give the patterns a more tactile, organic feel.
The piece is presented as a triptych, with two source waves on either side and their interaction in the center. Visitors use a physical control interface to adjust rotation, position and density, changing the relationship between the wave fields. As the inputs shift, the center image responds in real time, revealing how relative phase produces constructive and destructive interference. And I added a feedback knob, just for fun.
I built the wave generation and shader system in Processing 4, and send the resulting imagery to MadMapper for compositing, projection mapping, and additional visual effects. The control panel consists of physical pushbuttons and rotary controls connected to an Arduino Leonardo, which sends serial data to Processing. Processing, in turn, communicates with MadMapper via OSC. The entire system runs on an older MacBook Pro.
