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How Laser Shows Work - Introduction

    Laser shows are complex, expensive, fragile, high-tech systems filled with precision optical components. Here we will give a brief and basic explanation of how laser display systems produce the exciting effects we all love.

An array of colourful beams - Photo by L. Michael Roberts

       Lasers can also be dangerous if improperly used. The greatest danger is from beams projected into the eye. These can be focused by the lens (in the eye) into a very small and powerful spot capable of burning the retina and blinding people. If you are planning to experiment with lasers, we urge you to read the Laser Safety pages.
    If you are not familiar with the terms used here, please see the Glossary in the Laser Science Projects section.

Classification of light show effects

    Laser effects for displays and light shows can be divided into two main categories; beam effects and screen effects.

Beam Effects:

Screen effects:

Projected abstract spiral Photo courtesy of Pangolin Laser Systems

Screen effects are projected laser effects that require a screen (or other surface) to make them visible. They can be projected onto screens, planetarium domes, walls, buildings, billboards, the sides of mountains and even (under optimum conditions) clouds. Examples of screen effects include graphics and animations, cycloids, abstracts, lumia, diffraction gratings and other projected optical effects.

Laser display sub-systems

There are six major sub-systems in a laser light show;

• Laser and exciter (laser power supply);

• Laser projector (containing colour control, beam table and scanning sub-systems);

• Scanners;

• Control console;

• Laser Graphics system;

• Outboard equipment.

    In addition there may be additional equipment such as screens or scrims, power distribution systems, scaffolding and water pumps.

    Clicking on a part of the system in the diagram below will take you to a page that will give you more detailed information with pictures of the equipment. There are also links on each page to our sponsors who manufacture the equipment and systems used in laser shows.

[ Laser and exciter | Projector | Scanners | Control console | Graphics system | Outboard Equipment ]