Doug DeHaven This is an old video that was digitized of the one hour long laser show that was conducted at the Omnimax Theater at the Carnegie Science center.
Laser shows at venues like the Carnegie Science Center utilize sophisticated technology to create stunning visual displays. Galvanometer (galvo) motors play a crucial role in this process. These motors control the movement of mirrors, allowing precise manipulation of the laser beam’s direction and angle. By rapidly adjusting the position of the mirrors, galvo motors enable the laser beam to trace out intricate patterns and animations with incredible speed and accuracy.
The lasers themselves are typically argon-krypton lasers, known for their ability to produce a broad spectrum of colors. These lasers generate a white laser beam by emitting light across multiple wavelengths within the visible spectrum. This white beam is then split into its component colors using a combination of dichroic mirrors and optical filters. Dichroic mirrors reflect specific wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through, effectively separating the white beam into its constituent colors – red, green, and blue (RGB).
Each color component is then directed to a separate galvo mirror system. The galvo motors precisely control the movement of these mirrors, steering each colored beam to its intended position on the projection surface. By rapidly modulating the intensity of each laser beam and coordinating their movements with the music or narration, intricate and synchronized visual effects are achieved.
The combination of galvo motors, mirrors, and argon-krypton lasers allows for the creation of mesmerizing laser shows that captivate audiences with their dynamic and vibrant displays of light and color.
