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Laser Effects Library |
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Lasers enable artists to create fully animated, full color 3D imagery, and project the results onto almost any medium. The intrinsic qualities of laser light (coherence, spatial properties, & spectral purity) combine for a synergistic effect that can only be experienced in person.
Use this resource to learn about the types of laser effects possible, view example photos, and learn how to integrate these effects into your event.
Laser Effects can be classified in two basic groups: Beam Effects and Graphics. We'll explore each type of effect in detail, and give several examples of each. |
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Beam Effects:
Beam effects are, perhaps, the first effect that comes to mind when you think of a laser show. This is no surprise since this is the oldest laser effect, and also an effect that still cannot be reproduced by any other technology available. Within the overarching topic of beam effects, there are several types:
Mirror Effects: Mirror Effects use carefully aligned mirrors to create unique patterns of laser light above the audience. In the most simple form, a laser beam is aimed at a special mirror mounted in a desirable location. The mirror has a special kinematic mount that allows for very precise aiming. Thus, the beam reflects from this first mirror, and onto the next mirror in the sequence. The number of bounces is limited by the total distance the beam travels since the laser beam begins to diverge (expand) faster after each bounce. In general, 3-5 bounces is an acceptable number for a medium-sized venue. |
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Instead of just following one path, modern laser projectors incorporate a beam table for multiple beam launches. The main beam of the laser is intercepted electronically, and directed to a precisely adjustable turret. Each turret is in turn directed to a mirror in the performance area to initiate a sequence of mirror bounces. Typical beam tables have 8-10 positions, which may be chased to the beat of the music or other event cues.
The final bounce must terminate on a safe surface. In some cases, the final bounce is projected onto special scanners that emit sheets of light, sprays of rotating beams, or a stationary rainbow of light. These effects are often placed in a corner where a full laser projector could not easily be located, giving the effect of additional lasers in the room.
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Laser Graphics:
Laser graphics enable artists to create fully animated, full color, 3D imagery -- and project the results onto almost any medium. The intrinsic qualities of laser light (coherence, spatial properties, & spectral purity) combine for a synergistic effect that can only be experienced in person.
Laser graphics are created by a high-speed version of connect the dots. Where your television of computer monitor creates an image by rapidly scanning left to right down the entire screen (raster), most laser graphics are created by rapidly scanning the outline of an image (vector). Just as you follow a numbered path on a connect-the-dots drawing, a laser draws an image in the same manner, but repeats the path at a rate fast enough to create solid, flicker-free images. Modern laser systems can scan 60,000 - 100,000 points per second! Try that with your coloring book and crayon! |
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