How can this laser project a point in three-dimensional space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the technology behind a 3D laser pointer developed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and how it is able to project a point in three-dimensional space. Participants explore various theories and mechanisms related to the control of the z-axis and the overall functioning of the device.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a document from LANL and questions how the laser pointer controls the z-axis, suggesting it may involve actuating the focal length to create luminous plasma.
  • Another participant proposes that a camera could be used to obtain x, y coordinates, while the z coordinate is controlled by a slider embedded in the pointer.
  • Some participants speculate that the pointer might communicate with a 3D projection apparatus, which would create the illusion of the point being projected from the laser.
  • There is a suggestion that true three-dimensional projection could be achieved by stopping a laser beam in midair, potentially replacing holography.
  • One participant mentions that light can be stopped using supercooled xenon gas, but emphasizes that for visibility, the light must be in motion.
  • Another participant humorously remarks that if it were possible to stop a laser, it would lead to the invention of lightsabers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the technology and mechanisms behind the 3D laser pointer. There is no consensus on how the device operates or the feasibility of certain proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about the technology, including the potential use of communication signals and the limitations of current projection methods. Some ideas presented remain speculative and are not fully resolved.

univeruser
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See what I mean http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/tt/pdf/techs/3dlaser_pointer.pdf". Actually, coming to the point, how is this laser pointer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory able to control the z-axis with the slider?

There was a previous thread by someone else which was replied with something like plasma ball stuff. I've heard of that technology which actuates the focal length of the laser to heat air at the point to make luminous plasma. But the LANL technology seems to be different.

I'd be obliged to know the technology thet goes behind the 3D projection in the pointer.

P.S. I just want to know how it works. I won't be stealing license rights from LANL. It's just a matter of learning.
 
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Please! I'm like waiting three days and not a single response!

If you don't know the answer or won't give it here, atleast give me a "No!" message or such.

P.S. I'm in no hurry, but I kinda am getting frustrated. I hope this post didn't come too rude on you people.

Sorry for that.
 
i think about camera looking on screen to obtain x,y coordinates.
coordinate z we have from slaider embeded in pointer.
then point is displayed by software
(I'm sorry, but I never learned English)
 
I know, but how is it able to control the z-axis with the slider? With lenses?
 
like mice whell
 
LANL has a very advanced 3D projection technology (RAVE, Powerwall). I understand the so-called 3D laser pointers are only to be used within these facilities (theatre settings).
 
What Xitami is saying is that the pointer could be sending some sort of communication signal to the 3D projection apparatus, in which case the projection apparatus would actually be displaying the red ball. The observation of it coming from the laser, in this case, would be an illusion.
 
KingNothing said:
What Xitami is saying is that the pointer could be sending some sort of communication signal to the 3D projection apparatus, in which case the projection apparatus would actually be displaying the red ball. The observation of it coming from the laser, in this case, would be an illusion.

This makes the most sense to me. It's like the whole "Space pen vs pencil" idea. Why complicate something by making a laser that actually goes 3-D (which, don't get me wrong, would be really cool to find easier and less expensive ways of doing this), and instead have a sensor in your laser tell a 3-D projector where to project something.

The end result is the same, except it's cheaper for the company, and has the large constraint of only being used in certain labs.
 
Nope, I was talking true 3-dimensional projection. Just think, if it was possible to like stop a beam of light (laser in this case) in midair, if you combine this with a laser projector, it could prove to be a vital replacement for holography (i.e. the laser will scan depth, i.e. z-axis, with the LANL technology -- and x- and y-axis with a MEMS micromirror like a CRT TV) without the extensive mathematic calculations that go into generating holographic patterns with the Fourier algorithm.

So...?
 
  • #10
Xitamani is right, the "pen" just send to the computer responsible to the projection where it is pointing and how much of it's slid is pressed, it interprets the data and creates one image of the beam.

Light can be stopped (or close) it was made in lab usig (if my memory don't fails) super cooled xenon gas, but remember, to you actually see one img, the light need to me moving, or it don't reaches your cornea.
 
  • #11
If you could magically stop a laser after a certain distance we'd have invented lightsabers by now.
 

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