February 19, 2015 at 3:48 pm

Scientists Develop Artificial Skylight that Mimics Natural Light

by twistedsifter

A group of scientist in Como, Italy have developed an artificial skylight that creates realistic looking natural light for spaces that don’t have windows or access to sunlight.

According to PetaPixel:

The scientists who invented the light figured out how to use a thin coating of nanoparticles to accurately simulate sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere and the effect known as Rayleigh scattering. It’s not just the color temperature that’s the same — the quality of the light feels the same as well.

The innovative product was developed by CoeLux, a high-tech spin-off of Insubria University in Como, Italy, founded by physicist and professor, Paolo Di Trapani. CoeLux is headquartered in the ComoNext technology park and is funded by the European Union under the 7th Framework Program for research and development.

The artificial LED skylights are currently available in three configurations which range from brighter and cooler light with high contrast to warmer and more lateral light. The scientists used the light of Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Tropics for their inspiration. CoeLux hopes future versions will have the ability to change the position of the sun in the frame as well as the dynamic color temperature of the sunlight.

Most recently CoeLux was awarded the “Light Source Innovation of the Year” at the 2014 Lux Awards. It’s important to note that this is the first iteration and improvements will come. In an informative review, LuxReview.com adds:

“The void height needed is a metre. It consumes 340W of electrical power, but that will come down as LEDs improve… CoeLux is at the beginning of its commercial journey, and that’s reflected in the current cost. It’ll set you back £40,000 from the factory gate, and another £3,000 to £5,000 for shipping and specialist installation. But the interest is already there, particularly for high-value underground installations”