Laser Musical Instrument

The objective of this project is to create a laser musical instrument that is new and novel. The laser beams will act as strings for the instrument. When a beam is interrupted by an object the reflected light is detected by photodiodes. Based on the intensity of the reflected light the pitch will then be determined for the note to be played. The laser instrument is intended to provide a new and entertaining way of approaching musical creativity at a reasonable price.

Senior Design 1

Senior Design 2

Github Code

Media

Testing under Light Conditions

Testing under Dark Conditions

Team Members

Joshua Cates is a senior at the University of Central Florida and will graduate in Spring 2019 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he plans to enroll in graduate school at UCF to pursue a master's degree starting in Fall 2019. He has made the Dean's List three times, most recently in Fall 2018. His interests include mathematics, electronics design, and software development.
LinkedIn Joshua Cates

David Guacaneme is a Photonic Science and Engineering student graduating Spring 2019. He currently interns at L-3 Technologies and has done research in creating holographic gratings for mode shaping with PTR glass under Dr. Glebov and Dr. Divliansky. Among his achievements, he has been a finalist for the Order of Pegasus. His plans include working in industry before going back to school for graduate studies.
LinkedIn David Guacaneme

Lucas Sweet is a senior at the University of Central Florida perusing a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He has been the president of the IEEE PES student chapter. His plans after graduation are to work for a consulting or utility company working with distributed energy resource management and control. His goals include obtaining a professional engineering license and in the long term he would like to return to academia to peruse a PhD in power system management.
LinkedIn Lucas Sweet