What Spray Could Make Laser Beams Visible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visibility of laser beams and the methods to achieve this effect, particularly through the use of sprays or aerosols. Participants explore practical applications, personal experiences, and theoretical considerations related to optics and laser technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about sprays that can make laser beams visible, referencing movies where such effects are depicted.
  • Another participant suggests that any aerosol that produces visible particles, such as smoke, can reflect laser beams and make them visible.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about using smoke from a cigarette to visualize laser beams in a lab setting, indicating a practical method for demonstrating optics.
  • A different participant, Warren, poses questions about the possibility of controlling laser beams using electromagnetism, expressing interest in narrowing and converging multiple laser beams for a project involving a laser cutting table.
  • Warren's inquiry includes considerations about the technical feasibility of using electromagnets to manipulate laser beams, indicating a desire to explore advanced applications in laser technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that aerosols can make laser beams visible, but there is no consensus on the specific types of sprays or the feasibility of using electromagnetism to control laser beams as proposed by Warren. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Warren's questions introduce complex concepts related to electromagnetism and laser technology, which may require further exploration and clarification. The discussion does not resolve the technical aspects of controlling laser beams or the practical implications of the proposed methods.

J1990
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Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has ever seen a movie where some people are robbing a bank or art gallery, and they spray something to make the laser beams show.

Does anyone know what type of spray could do this?

I have tried google, and I didn't know if this is the right place to ask this.

Thankyou.
 
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Well anything that produces a visible aerosal will work. Hell I think you can just blow smoke into an area and the lasers will reflect .
 
Yeah, the worst thing ever to hit a laser lab is a ban on smoking. That was the quickest way to find a beam. Light up a cig and blow some smoke.
 
When I was in school, the first time our physics teacher taught us optics, (refraction, etc) he bought a laser pointer, different types of lenses, a prism and a big plastic box. He took his cigarette lighter, lit an incense stick and put it in the box to fill it with smoke. Then he went on to show the various properties of light during refraction. It was pretty cool :cool:
 
Hello to all. My name is Warren I am new here and have a question or two. please keep in mind an forgive my ignorance and obvious lack of education here. I applogise ahead of time if any of my questions are basic or just stupid.

as i believe light is a function of electromagnitism. is it posiable to control the beam of light as has been done with tv's with an electromagnet? i assume so. if you can is it posiable to help in the containment of the beams to narrow or tighen the beam with an electromagnet and if so allow for more than one laser beam to be trapped and forced into a tighter space and there by increase the power at convergence? not sure if i even asked the questions right. any thoughts. I have been reading your posts with interest. I am currently building or at lest attempting to build a laser cutting table using a newer form of hexapod robotic cnc mill of my own desine and I have a need to use multiple diode lasers. about 40 watt apice. i want to use about 3 of them and bring the beams togeather. now I know I am opening a can of worms here. but i think i may be able to pull it off if i can manage to bring the beam togeather correctly.

thanks in advance for your kind reply's

Warren
www.phantasm1.com
Phantasm robotics inc.
 

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