Laser Harp

Group Members

Christian Chang

Computer Engineer: contributed toward the development of the software and the electrical aspects of the project. To be more precise I worked closely on how to set up the Arduino microcontroller and the interactions between MIDI and the microcontroller. When it came to working on part of the electrical part of the project I only prospected the electrical engineer and double checked their work.
Email: changc@knights.ucf.edu

Mohamed Jabbar

Photonics Engineer: contributed by doing research on the photodetectors that will enable the laser harp to function. The research involved determining what detector best fits our needs while being conscious of the budgetary constraints. From the initial idea I purchased some basic components and assembled a simple yet functional prototype that emits different sounds when laser beams block the LRDs. I will continue to build prototypes with different distance sensors and determine which components will make it to the final design.
Email: mohamed.jabbar@knights.ucf.edu

Kyle Kaple

Electrical Engineer: contributed to the preliminary research into optocouplers, as well as the MIDI connectors and MIDI communication via software. I also am the one who did most of the research into the musical aspects of the laser harp, and have a history and knowledge of the musical side of the laser harp. As well, I am already very familiar with MIDI operation as a consumer, as I have experience with using electronic instruments. I was responsible for designing the electrical schematics and circuit diagrams.
Email: kaple@knights.ucf.edu

Matthew Kalinowski

Photonics Engineer: contributed the original idea of the project to my classmates. I formed the group around my idea and we were set. I had the components for senior design sent to my place and created a small workbench for prototyping. I was tasked with providing the semiconductor lasers for the project, as well as anything that produces light. I had the group form at my place so we could at least know each other even during the COVID-19. From there we set out to complete a functioning prototype. Eventually leading to finishing this paper.
Email: kalinowskim@knights.ucf.edu

Project Description

The laser harp is an instrument that uses lasers to simulate the strings of a traditional harp. When the laser beams are blocked, they trigger an external synthesizer to play notes corresponding to the strings of the harp. Traditionally, these harps are intended to create a grand display, with laser beams pointing to the sky, but we intend to bring the same technology to a smaller module that can sit on a desk or tabletop. As the world of live music is constantly evolving, more and more artists are beginning to bring their live performances to online streaming platforms, to supplement in-person live shows. A compact laser harp that fits in these artists’ home studios or streaming setups could appeal to a wide range of electronic musicians that are looking to introduce new ways of performing and creating music.