"The economy of tomorrow relies on the innovation and creativity of researchers such as Dr. Kashyap and Dr. Loock," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). "As a result of investments provided by the Government of Canada, researchers can achieve ingenious breakthroughs that contribute to economic growth, job creation and a higher quality of life for Canadians."




The acoustic photonic guitar is strung with fibre-optic cabling, which when strummed, creates a light wave. The light signal is converted by digital equipment into sound. While it looks mostly like a traditional guitar, the instrument produces a richer, acoustic sound, allowing guitarists to mix with greater accuracy. For both researchers, the instruments were extensions of their other research interests.

"I started this project hoping to create a lighter cello for my daughter," says Dr. Kashyap. "It has spun off into new understandings of the potential of fibre-optic technologies."

For NSERC, the exhibit is part of the Council's ongoing commitment to highlight the work done by the Canadian researchers. "In celebrating the achievements of Dr. Kashyap and Dr. Loock we want to emphasize not only the value innovation brings to our economy and society, but the incredible role scientific discovery plays in enriching our lives and expanding the imagination of young people to the possibilities of scientific discovery," said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC.

"The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation is really proud of this partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The beauty of this exhibition is that it links science and technology with music and culture." said Denise Amyot, President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation. "As keepers of Canada's scientific and technological collection, we encourage all Canadians to engage with their scientific and technological past, present and future."

Click here to see a video in which Professor Kashyap explains how he used fibre optics to rediscover the guitar.

To read about Professor Kashyap's expertise, click here.


To find out more
http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_fra.asp
http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/francais/index.cfm

Source : Canada Science and Technology Museum and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)