Tracing a laser pointer with IR camera

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using an infrared (IR) camera to trace a laser pointer moving over a surface, specifically a wooden floor. Participants explore the potential for detecting the laser's movement and the implications of material properties on this detection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Marc questions whether an IR camera can trace a laser moving over a wooden floor and expresses a preference for a laser that is invisible and safe for humans.
  • One participant suggests that if the laser operates at a frequency detectable by the camera, it could see the light scattered from the floor, similar to how visible light is perceived.
  • Marc inquires about predicting how long the trace of the laser could be detected after it hits the ground, emphasizing the importance of material properties in this prediction.
  • Another participant argues that the trace would likely not be detectable after the laser has moved unless the laser heated the surface enough to cause it to glow in the infrared.
  • This participant also notes that a sufficiently powerful laser capable of leaving a trace would be more akin to a cutting tool or weapon rather than a tracking device.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the detectability of the laser trace after it has moved, with some suggesting it is possible under certain conditions while others assert it is unlikely. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of detection duration and the necessary conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions regarding the material properties of the floor or the specific characteristics of the IR camera and laser used, which may affect the discussion's conclusions.

MarcGyongyosi
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Hi!

a very basic question that probably has a simple answer: would it be possible to trace a laser moving over a generic surface such as a wooden floor with an IR camera?

The idea would be to calculate relative movement based on that...

If I'm not clear enough feel free to follow up with a question!

Thanks!
Marc

edit: maybe I should add that it would be preferred if the laser was in the invisible part of the spectrum and also safe for use around humans.
 
Science news on Phys.org
MarcGyongyosi said:
Hi!

a very basic question that probably has a simple answer: would it be possible to trace a laser moving over a generic surface such as a wooden floor with an IR camera?

Do you have a laser that operates at a frequency that your camera responds too? If so, the camera will "see" the light scattered from the floor in the same way that your eyes see the visible light from a laser pointer being used as a pointer.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Hi!

thanks for the quick answer! That's what I thought would happen! I was wondering, however, if there was any way to predict* for how long you could pick up the trace from the laser after it hit the ground - which would be essential for calculating relative movement...

*based on material properties
 
MarcGyongyosi said:
I was wondering, however, if there was any way to predict* for how long you could pick up the trace from the laser after it hit the ground

How long? Zero, near as no never mind. The only way you could detect observe points where the laser had been shining but no longer is would be if the laser light heated the surface sufficiently for it to continue to glow in the infrared after the laser had moved on.

A laser that powerful isn't a tracking device, it's a cutting tool or a weapon.
 

Similar threads

Graduate IR Laser diode focusing and module selection for CSEL Laser pointer
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Graduate Seeing a laser pointer from 16km away
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Graduate How to get a 30um (micrometer) laser diameter?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Viewing IR radiation with cell phone cameras
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Optics for High Resolution Laser Imaging: Finding the Best Path
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School Observational Effects of "FTL" spotlight from laser pointer?
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
5K
High School Laser Pointer at Speed of Light: Does It Point Ahead?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Light Plane Photography - Is my explanation correct?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad Get geodesics & parallel transport on 2D surfaces (discrete timestep)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
High School Infrared Detectors & The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 152 ·
6
Replies
152
Views
11K