Design For A Modular Optosonic Waste To Water Receptacle on ResearchGate
By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, June 2025
Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com
www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd
Figure 1: Central Core Nonagon of LEDs with nanometer ranges
Abstract:
This modular and scalable optosonic system transforms waste into water using a novel integration of light, sound, shape, materials, and fluid dynamics. Powered autonomously via solar and battery storage, it features advanced illumination and sound cores, a rotating internal cylinder, multi-stage filtration, and eco-conscious construction. Inspired by natural processes like photo-degradation and nucleosynthesis, the design accelerates the breakdown of contaminants, yielding beneficial byproducts. This innovative solution aims to enhance public health, waste management, and environmental sustainability through a pioneering fusion of chemistry and civil engineering.
Light Core:
The central light core array is comprised of nine frequency bands, or wavelength ranges: 10-200 nm, 200-280 nm, 280-315 nm, 316-400 nm, 440-517 nm, 550-620 nm, 729-775 nm, 820-1300 nm, and 1300-1736 nm (Figure 1). These nanometer ranges were selected based on valence electron energy data collection for common elements Hydrogen, Carbon and Oxygen (Figure 2), and what it would take to ionize and reconfigure the atoms and molecules, focusing on the terminal groups of the polymer chains. In effect, to transmute the waste with precise low energy pathways. (1)
Photo-degradation is a natural and proven method for waste, as in landfills. However, the goal of this multifunctional reactor core is to accelerate and enhance that process. Another important principle this design is based on is electrophoresis, the movement of atoms and molecules as a result of energy absorption and emission, and the chemical reactions that occur with light exposure, or photochemistry. (2)
The selection of nine sides for the core corresponds to the frequency bands, and may also enhance distribution and reaction, given the increased surface area and angles. Like nature, the nonagon has characteristics of both symmetry and asymmetry. Many biological systems, like river networks or leaf venation, exhibit structured asymmetry for optimized transport.
Figure 2: Electron Ionization Potentials & Harmonic Multiples
Figure 2.5: Common light ranges in nanometers
Figure 3. Side view of core panel layers
Core Panels:
Waterproof Magnetic Speakers — Enable precise acoustic manipulation through acoustophoresis, ensuring that sound waves can influence particle movement effectively, even in a fluid environment. (3) Their waterproofing ensures longevity and stability in wet conditions.The speakers are flat to streamline efficiency and function.
Zinc Electrogalvanized Steel – This known photocatalyst provides structural integrity while offering corrosion resistance. The zinc coating further enhances durability, making it an excellent choice for maintaining conductivity, as wide band gap semiconductor, and ensuring efficient energy transfer in an environment exposed to reactive processes. (4) Steel is also known for it reverberant properties.
LEDs – The light source driving the photocatalysis, with wavelength tuning optimizing reactivity and energy efficiency. Ensuring that the LEDs operate synergistically would maximize constructive interference and photo-reactivity, notably with programmed pulsations for rapid degradation and transmutation. (5) (6)
Silicone Waterproofing – Acts as both a sealant and protective layer, preventing moisture damage while maintaining flexibility and thermal resilience. Since silicone is optically clear and chemically inert, it shouldn’t interfere with the photochemical reactions while still safeguarding internal components. (7) (8)
Figure 4. Trio of speakers on the central core with specifications.
Harmonic Series & Speaker Configuration:
Like the light waves, the sonic frequencies are based on valence electron ionization potential energies. The conversion here is from electron volts to nanometers to hertz (9) and then mapping the harmonic series across energy scales to manipulate light and sound interactions. By converting electron volts (eV) to nanometers for light, and then applying the harmonic series to drop into audible frequency ranges – this is bridging quantum mechanics with acoustics.
This concept aligns with studies in optosonic interactions, where light and sound induced resonance affects molecular structures. (10) Some research fields that connect to this include: Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, which decomposes light into its harmonic components; Sonoluminescence, where sound waves generate flashes of light at atomic/molecular levels; Photoacoustic Spectroscopy, which studies how pulsed light induces sound waves through thermal expansion.
Here the harmonic series acts like an energy ladder, allowing atoms to transition between states by absorbing or emitting light at specific frequencies. Each harmonic corresponds to a resonant excitation, guiding atoms through successive energy levels. This concept is fundamental in: Multi-photon absorption, where atoms absorb multiple photons sequentially to reach higher states; Raman Scattering, where energy shifts create distinct transitions that follow harmonic relationships; coherent light-matter Interactions, as discussed in the reference 10 paper —nonlinear effects entangle harmonics and material states to tune energy levels dynamically.
This idea ties directly into quantum optics and attosecond physics, where carefully structured light pulses can orchestrate atomic/molecular behavior.
The low frequency sounds selected for the light core – theoretically correspond to energies theoretically of Hydrogen, Carbon and Oxygen. (11) They are 50, 63, and 219 hz, recognizing there could be multiple ‘correct’ answers. These speakers are located on the panels opposite the UVX, UVA and visible Red light. Instead of ultrasonics, this represents subsonics and infrasonics, and achieving molecular “vibrational relaxation.” (12) If the device is the system ‘Q,’ the ‘bath’ is the combined elements of sound, light, movement and mechanical pressure. The bath provides the optimal environment for electron transfer with the degrees of freedom that would perpetuate water, from solids to liquid, and from liquid to gas – Hydrogen and Oxygen, and keeping the simple, natural 2:1 ratio.
Figure 5. Dimensions and materials of the outer housing of the receptacle, with construction notes.
Exterior Shape:
The most significant larger features of the exterior are the shape, material and coating. The proportion of the rectangular prism is a Pythagorean Golden Rectangle for stability and durability, and for the Flow Optimization of the logarithmic spiral, associated with the golden ratio. That may help in these fluid dynamics, potentially improving the efficiency of water and waste movement. The well-proportioned receptacle can also reduce blockages, prevent stagnation and ensure continuous movement. Optimized flow paths can also minimize resistance, requiring less energy for waste processing. And the golden ratio can help evenly distribute incoming waste and water, improving filtration and separation. (13)
Figure 6. Basic layout and sample design of the front of the receptacle with waste deposit.
Exterior Materials:
It’s important to note that the exterior material and coating need to be durable, radiation resistant and acoustically dampening. The main materials here include Titanium, which naturally oxidizes into known photocatalyst Titanium Dioxide. (14) And the reactor core has corrosion resistant panels of Zinc Electrogalvanzied Steel. Also part of the exterior, is a graphene coating for the radiation resistance and durability. Graphene is also known to enhance electroconductivity. (15) The combined materials are selected to improve and enhance the overall performance, leaving room for composite material modifications.
Figure 7. Interior and exterior of rear water purification panel.
Interior / Exterior Utility & Components:
Aside from the rather obvious design features of the water dispensation on the receptacle, it is suggested that the interior tubing connected to the water tank be spiral silicone, possibly embedded with activated carbon or zeolites for purification. (16) (17)
Bearings and flexible coupling, wire mounts, conduits and other components are composed of high-performance and eco-friendly materials such as composite polymers to ensure smooth operation, sustainability and longevity.
Figure 8. Configuration of central cylinder with entry chute within the LED nonagon core, including notes on materials and component interactions.
Cylinder & Water System:
The independently rotating cylinder inside the reactor core is constructed from a coated durable, transparent, corrosion-resistant material such as silica glass. The water filtration system integrated underneath the stationary light core and vortex cylinder, are designed to purify and recycle water for dispensation, and after it drains.
Tapping into cutting edge photonics, it’s theoretically possible that the spinning cylinder, when paired with the strategically modulated LEDs, could generate spatiotemporal optical vortices (STOVs) — especially if the light pulses are structured to carry transverse orbital angular momentum. (18) (19) These vortices are essentially wave packets where the phase and energy circulate in both space and time, forming dynamic toroidal fields that could indeed become part of the ‘bath’ environment inside the receptacle. This vortex cylinder, inspired by chirality in nature, could open up fascinating possibilities for both general light-matter interaction, and here specifically for waste breakdown, or the biosynergetic transmutation of molecules. These aforementioned elements and references directly support the use of a vortex-inducing geometry and structured light pulses for transmutation processes. Returning to the mechanical design, the trash chute feeding in to the cylinder can be made of a flexible, tear-resistant material such as silicone or reinforced rubber, to maintain alignment and accessibility during cylinder rotation. There is a motion sensor system to detect the deposit of waste in the cylinder and initiate the process, and the independently rotating cylinder includes an anti-jamming mechanism to prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation. Another interesting synergy is the built-in self-cleaning mechanism that utilizes the low-frequency sound waves and rotation to dislodge and remove debris from the cylinder.
The entire water filtration system includes a double walled stainless steel tank, integrated filtration and pump, activated carbon and zeolites of the tubes, and the UV sterilization effects. This amounts to automatic water recycling to ensure continuous availability of clean water for drinking and for self-cleaning. The combination of activated carbon and zeolites mirrors nature’s own tiered filtration systems—like how forest soil layers handle runoff.
Another important feature, not pictured here, could be a simple rainwater collection mechanism, such as a canal that feeds into another tube, also as a backup water supply.
Figure 9. The receptacle’s solar power system installed on the top panel.
SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
The circularity of the receptacle is further comprised of a solar power unit that is connected to the frequency generator, speakers and control panel for operational control. The power unit includes a rechargeable solar power battery system to provide uninterrupted power supply. The water filtration system, cylinder motor and all components are powered by the rechargeable solar battery system.
Figure 10. Side control panel with frequency generator, ventilation and descriptions.
Control Panel & Frequency Generator:
The frequency generator and control panel are mounted on a side shelf next to the reactor core. For space saving, minimizing wires, and modularity, there is also a wireless power transmission unit connected to the solar battery, for powering components through electromagnetic induction. (20)
Conclusion & Overview:
This modular, off-grid waste-to-water receptacle integrates light and sound-based technology to transform trash into clean water. Inspired by biomimicry, it features nine light panels and harmonically tuned speakers that correspond with elemental energies—particularly hydrogen—to activate photocatalytic and sonochemical processes.
Constructed with sustainable materials like titanium and galvanized steel, and shaped using the golden rectangle and nonagon geometry for optimal energy efficiency, the unit runs on solar power and operates autonomously. A motion-activated system initiates a near-continuous purification cycle, using safe, low-frequency sound and visible light to avoid disturbing people or animals.
Internally, a rotating core, eco-friendly filtration, and stainless steel cooling chamber enhance performance. Designed for public safety, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, this solution exemplifies circular waste management—removing trash while producing water—through cutting-edge photochemistry and acoustophoresis.
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Figures 11 & 12: Meta AI & Adobe AI generative artistic interpretations