Using an infinity mirror, you can fool your eyes into thinking there is a tunnel that goes on forever. The device is made up of two mirrors—a standard mirror and a one-way mirror—with LEDs placed between them. When the LED lights are switched off, the infinity mirror can be used as a conventional mirror. However, when the LEDs are activated, the infinite mirror takes on the appearance of a brightly lit tunnel that goes on forever. A DIY infinity mirror is within your reach with the help of this engineering design project.
What is the principle behind an infinity mirror?
To achieve this effect, an ordinary mirror (which reflects 100% of the light) is embedded within an infinity mirror, while the surface you look at is a one-way (or confusingly, two-way) mirror that reflects less than 90% of the light.
It’s the same basic idea, but the LEDs or other light source in the middle makes all the difference. While some light does pass through a one-way mirror, the remainder is reflected indefinitely, gradually losing intensity.
By switching to a less transmissive one-way mirror, the effect fades out gradually, and the mirror takes on a more illuminated appearance from the LEDs. You’ll see many duplicate reflections of the same LED strip as if the mirror extended further back into space. This creates the impression of an endless tunnel (hence the name).
To pull off this trick, you’ll need to hold a regular mirror in the back, place LEDs in front of the mirror, and place a one-way mirror in front of the LEDs.
It is possible to buy a prefabricated one-way mirror, but they cost an arm and a leg. An inexpensive window tint film may transform a plain pane of glass into a reflective surface for a fraction of the price, and it also allows you more creative freedom.
Materials and Equipment
The list below is a suggestion for general parts you will need. The exact parts you purchase will depend on things like the size, shape, and type of LEDs you want for your mirror.
Here is the short list of parts you will need to build an infinity mirror.
Mirror
Acrylic or Plexiglas plate
Film for windows that mirrors the outside
Container, such as a cardboard box
LEDs
Energy source
Adhesive tape or adhesive
Cutting tools
Eye protection glasses or goggles
Putting Together Your Infinity Reflector
Keep in mind that this is just a generalised set of instructions for making an infinity mirror and that specifics will vary depending on the design you choose. You won’t have to stick to these instructions for the letter, you may alter them depending on the style of mirror you have. If you have a different plan for constructing the mirror and you think it would work better, go for it!
1. To begin, replicate the LED placement illustrated by making holes in the papier mache box’s sides. You just need something with a pointy end, such as a pen, a sharp knife, or a power drill.
Take note that you might not need to drill any holes in the box’s interior to attach an LED strip there.
2. Adhere the mirror to the box. Use the mirror’s edges to avoid fingerprints. Use a paper towel to push the mirror onto the tape. Avoid getting glue or tape on the mirror. Cleaner mirrors improve optical illusions.
3. Add LEDs. Mounting LEDs depends on their type.
LEDs won’t remain in place if you merely shove them through the holes
Attach each LED’s base to the box with hot glue
Tape excess wire on the box’s outside. You can put this box within a larger box to hide the wiring.
4. Make a slit in the top of the box with a craft knife.
5. Cut plexiglass to mirror size. This phase requires adult supervision and eyewear.
Use a ruler and utility knife (or a plastic-cutting tool from a hardware shop) to score straight lines into rectangular plexiglass. To break the plexiglass, score it deeply.
Hold the plexiglass with C-clamps and press down to break it. Follow each score line.
If you can’t break the plexiglass, score it deeper. You can also freeze the plexiglass for a few hours to make it brittle, then try again.
Using a jigsaw or bandsaw with a fine-toothed blade, have an adult cut a circular piece of plexiglass (a rough-toothed wood-cutting blade will cause the plexiglass to shatter or crack).
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