Caustics II

[g.ross]

Thanks for the great example Vlado. I've just been scratching around with caustics over the holiday break.

Just wondering Vlado
Would varying the subdivs value vary the position of each of the lighting "rings"? or is this value independant and just alter the "grain" of the rings.

Also

With the exception of the caustics boucing off the mirror. Could you achieve the same lighting effect (within the cone) using IES lighting? Could you acheive the same level of detail?

[joconnell]

I'd say the ies light would be far quicker since it's like using a gradient ramp in the light - it's a pre set pattern and thus probably far quicker to sample - would be a far quicker cleaner render but again it's dumb technology compared to what vlado is showing here - again for production stuff though I don't think anyone could use caustics like this...

[vlado]

Of course IES lights are faster - they store the caustics pattern precomputed. This scene is more of a theoretical interest, rather than of any practical use... You can use it to compute the pattern of a light fixture, store it into an image file, and use it as a projection map for a normal spot light, for example.

Would varying the subdivs value vary the position of each of the lighting "rings"? or is this value independant and just alter the "grain" of the rings.

No, the patterns depend on the geometry and materials, not on the caustics subdivs.

Best regards,
Vlado