How to make a glass edge glow

[tehn]

Hi. My AV cabinet has 3 x 5mm glass shelves and I would like to make the front edge of them glow when the lights are off for projector viewing. I've tried taping a thin CCFL tube to the back of one but it was too bright and it caused multiple lines of light to shine along a side wall. Interesting effect, but not what I'm after! I also tried a couple of bright LEDs on the back edge, but they only came through as two small points of light on the front.

The glass edges all around are just a flat polish, with small bevels.

Any suggestions? Thanks, Niall.

[digisocialist]

Interesting. No idea really. Sounds like a review of GCSE Physics could be called for here. You may need to achieve TIR (Total Internal Refraction) to keep the light within the glass i.e. when the light ray tries to leave the glass to air at an angle greater than the critical angle (42 degrees from air to glass) it should refract back in like a mirror. When i (the angle of incoming light in relation to the normal) is equal to the critical angle (the angle at which it leaves the glass i.e. 42 degrees) then the light should touch the surface. Other factors like colour can come into play too... I think.

I'd just use a lamp

[john59]

I think you have to diffuse the light source somehow, I seem to remember seeing this in a gadget shop somewhere a while back (not for sale but being used has a display) sorry I can't help anymore

[avanzato]

Try painting some of that glass 'frosting' paint on the edges you want to glow. It should diffuse the light enough, though an experiment on something other than the table first would be a good idea.

[Mango Bob]

Has anyone tried using the long thin cold cathode lights people use for the inside of PCs? Would this work?

edit: Forget that...just re-read the first post!

[Mose]

I was in Alders the other day and noticed that they had this effect on several of their glass shelve displays. I asked one of the sales geezers there where I could get them from but he wouldnt tell me! This was in a lilac colour flourecent light. Very effective. I want one too!

[stevesorted]

Nice idea.only thing is cold cathode tubes from pc's are 12v.........what about el wire you can use for around dashboards etc. some of these have a battery pack using 2 aa batteries...not very bright but may be enough for what you want!

[doink]

It's a peice of p***, just buy a "Touchlight" from stands Unique, it's designed to do the job!

try looking at this thread
My IR Mood Lighting

Respect to Lydecker fro this one

[duke748]

Would these led striplights not do the trick ?

https://sslrelay.com/led-lightbulbs....iew.shopscript

http://www.my-led.com/0101_led_accen...ranha_leds.php

[tehn]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Yes, the glass shelves in Lydecker's setup are just what I'm trying to achieve. He's used a CC neon tube, so I'll try mine again. It may be the front shape of my glass that is causing the problems, so I may also look at frosting the front edge of the glass as suggested.

Otherwise, I'll try some EL wire which isn't as bright.

I'll post a pic if I'm successful. Cheers, Niall.