Caustic Lens Product Introduction

Technical Overview

A caustic lens is an optical element that reshapes light to form hidden patterns.

By precisely controlling microscopic surface structures, we bend and redistribute light so that images appear only when illuminated.

This transforms the lens from a passive object into a medium that combines science, art, and storytelling.

Ordinary lenses record the world, our lenses create the worlds. 


Applications

  • Art & Design : Unique visual medium for installations and exhibitions
  • Science & Education : Demonstrating optics, light transport, and mathematical visualization
  • Corporate & Personal Gifts : Distinctive blend of technology and art
  • Interior Ambience : Decorative light projections for creative spaces

Product Specifications

  • Size
  1. Planet series: 4cm × 4cm circular (1.58in)
  2. Custom designs: As specified (irregular shapes calculated by equivalent area of their bounding rectangle)
  • Thickness: Standard is 0.1× the size (customizable)
  • Resolution: Approx. 60 pixels per cm (high enough for logos, text, portraits, and detailed graphics)
  • Material: Optical-grade PMMA acrylic
    Manufacturing: Swiss Mikron CNC micro-milling (1μm optical precision) + professional hand polishing

Projection Parameters

  • Light Source : Point light source (phone flashlight, mini torch, spotlight ) or parallel light (sunlight )
  • Focal Length (f) : Standard is 3× the size (customizable)
  • Light Source Distance (u) : Recommended > 2× focal length
  • Projection Distance (v) : 1~2× focal length
  • Optical Relation : 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
  • Brightness & Environment : Works clearly under normal indoor lighting; projection appears sharpest in darker settings
  • Simple Usage : Hold the lens 10–20cm from a wall or surface, shine a phone flashlight through it — no special equipment required

Customization Options

  • Lens Shape: Circular, square, or fully customized contours
  • Projection Pattern
  1. Supported: logos, text, anime, illustrations, portraits, landscapes, etc.
  2. Recommendation: Choose images with uniform grayscale and high contrast, preferably white background with black content
  • Customizable Parameters: Thickness, focal length, projection position, magnification (default parameters recommended)
  • Production Process
  1. Rendering preview provided days after order placement
  2. Modifications until satisfaction before production
  3. Standard production time: 4 weeks
  • Advanced Customization
  1. Colored caustics: Achieved through surface coloring (Note: coloring pattern resemblesprojection pattern)
  2. Reflective caustics: Created by engraving on reflective materials
  3. Out-of-frame projection: Pattern can extend beyond lens shadow area

Why Choose Our Caustic Lens?

  1. Based on SIGGRAPH 2025 research (ACM ToG paper by Dr. Yuou Sun)
  2. Render-based algorithm using triangular facet optimization (more realistic than grid-point methods)
  3. Produced with Swiss CNC micromachining at 1µm optical precision
  4. Bridges cutting-edge optics and artistic expression
  5. Designed to be accessible to everyday users , not only specialists or artists

FAQ

Q: What is your technical background?
A: Our work is based on paper "End-to-end Surface Optimization for Light Control" by Dr. Yuou Sun (PhD in Mathematics, USTC), published in ACM Transactions on Graphics and presented at SIGGRAPH 2025. We are proud to bring this cutting-edge research into product form.
Manufacturing is supported by ZJU-Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center,
ensuring high quality standards.

Q: How does a caustic lens work?
A: You’ve probably seen sunlight forming shimmering patterns on a table under a glass of water or at the bottom of a swimming pool. That phenomenon is caustics: light converging and diverging into bright and dark patterns. By precisely controlling surface height, we control how light refracts (or reflects), steering it to create desired images on a projection surface. The underlying math involves optimal transport and normal integration. Steve Mould has made an excellent YouTube video explaining what are caustic lenses, which we highly recommend watching.
Caustic lenses are really weird - Steve Mould

Q: How does your technology differ from Rayform’s?
A: We deeply respect their pioneering work. Compared to Rayform, our algorithm is render-based, with optimization units defined as small triangular facets rather than grid points, making it more faithful to real-world conditions. Details are available in the aforementioned paper. Additionally, while Rayform mainly collaborates with artists, we focus on making caustic lenses accessible to the public, spreading this fascinating technology more widely.
Q: What if I need bulk orders?
A: For large-scale customization, we can use molding techniques, first creating a mold, then mass producing. Depending on whether refractive or reflective caustics are needed, we can use metal stamping or injection molding. This will significantly reduce costs. making it ideal for corporate gifts or event souvenirs. For inquiries, please contact us via email.
Q: Can I use these for art projects?
A: We warmly welcome collaborations with artists! We're in the early stages of our venture and looking to increase visibility. Partnerships with artists create win-win situations - you gain a unique artistic medium, and we gain valuable exposure and showcase opportunities. If interested, please email us at yoel@pixeluxe.cc.
Q: What's the lifespan of the lens? Does it require special maintenance?
A: Our PMMA acrylic lenses remain stable for years under normal use. To prevent aging, avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. For cleaning, gently wipe with a slightly damp soft cloth. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, which may damage the surface.
Q: Will different light sources produce different projection effects?
A: Yes! Point light sources (e.g., phone flashlights) yield sharp, well-defined patterns, while diffuse light sources create softer edges.
Q: What occasions are these suitable for as gifts?
A: Caustic lenses, with their unique blend of technology and art, make excellent gifts for
anniversaries, graduations, or corporate customized presents. They're especially appreciated by technology enthusiasts, photographers, physicists, or art collectors as thoughtful and fascinating gifts. We also offer elegant packaging services to perfect your gift presentation