Why does light fan out into curved lines when passing through a cylinder?

When light enters a transparent cylinder, it refracts at the curved surface according to Snell's Law. The cylindrical geometry bends rays at varying angles depending on where they enter, spreading them into a radial fan pattern. The curved base then acts like a lens, projecting those arching light lines onto the surface below in a characteristic starburst shape.

How can this Photo be used?

With a resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels, this stock photo is suited for large-format print applications such as trade show displays, posters, or exhibition prints. The Kataloop license permits commercial use, for example in physics and optics educational materials, science communication, campaign visuals for technology brands, or as an abstract background in app interfaces and web design.

What mood does this Photo convey?

The finely fanned light rays spreading from the glowing orange center across the surface create a tension between precision and dynamic movement. The cool blue of the cylinders amplifies the contrast with the warm orange, giving the image a focused yet visually intense quality that evokes curiosity and analytical interest.

What equipment was used to capture this Photo?

The fan-shaped light refraction beneath the acrylic cylinders was captured with the Sony ILCE-1 and the Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe. The probe lens allows access to extremely tight angles with its slender tubular design, delivering a perspective impossible with conventional macro lenses. The Alpha 1's 50-megapixel sensor ensures exceptional detail at 8640 x 5760 pixels.

What visual style or trend does this Photo represent?

Abstract, science-inspired imagery is seeing growing demand in brand and communication contexts. Visible physics and optical phenomena are increasingly used in science communication, EdTech, and tech branding. This image connects the trend toward data-driven visualization with a visually strong complementary color contrast that works across contemporary media design formats.

Colorful light refraction through acrylic cylinders

Name: Colorful light refraction through acrylic cylinders
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

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Colorful light refraction through acrylic cylinders

Kataloop stock photo no.

9530479

8640

5760

43455812

SONY ILCE-1

Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe

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Colorful light refraction through acrylic cylinders

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Why does light fan out into curved lines when passing through a cylinder?

How can this photo be used?

What mood does this photo convey?

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

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