Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

SNL Justin Timberlake - Laser Light Show






Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
78
Points
8
To me it looked like he took several shots to the face. I wouldn't think it would be good. Even though the projectors I believe are pass equipped. Be interesting to know the power and divergence. Perhaps pango lens were also used.
 
Joined
Feb 23, 2012
Messages
1,282
Points
0
I watched that episode too, and it was quite a performance!

I was really fascinated with the laser scanners and was delighted to see a LPF thread discussing it.

It must have been uncomfortable to get hit in the eyes, but I think the duration was very short and I wouldn't expect for it to have caused serious damage.
 
Joined
Dec 20, 2011
Messages
39
Points
18
Due to the intense interest in the JT performance expressed here and elsewhere, I have researched the safety of this performance. Based on my research, I can tell you that the show was completely safe and legal under both New York State and FDA/CDRH regulations.

I can personally vouch for the following:

"The laser effects were very carefully designed by professionals experienced with laser safety and performer protection. Sophisticated laser metering equipment was extensively used. Three certified and trained Laser Safety Officers were present at numerous rehearsals and the final performance. The performer was well aware of all effects. Any seemingly hazardous facial or eye exposures were in fact completely safe."

For various reasons, I cannot discuss topics such as the exact devices, techniques, projectors, power levels, etc. involved. I will say that I understand these topics and that I am completely satisfied that, as I said: "any seemingly hazardous facial or eye exposures were in fact completely safe."

Finally, I would like to note that this show was done by top-level professional performers, producers, crew, LSOs, and laser experts working together to safely create a complex-looking effect. Do NOT try to reproduce this without a similar team of world-class experts.

A person trying to duplicate this without the experts, meters, safety equipment and procedures, etc. would risk hazardous exposures which could result in injury in literally the “blink of an eye.”

-- Patrick Murphy
 
Joined
Dec 6, 2008
Messages
1,581
Points
63
Having done some commercial laser shows in the past . . .

I know that it takes an extreme number of power and time calculations to determine safe exposures to the face.

I would think that all of this data would NOT be public at all.

LarryDFW
 
Last edited:
Joined
Nov 2, 2012
Messages
626
Points
43
Due to the intense interest in the JT performance expressed here and elsewhere, I have researched the safety of this performance. Based on my research, I can tell you that the show was completely safe and legal under both New York State and FDA/CDRH regulations.

I can personally vouch for the following:

"The laser effects were very carefully designed by professionals experienced with laser safety and performer protection. Sophisticated laser metering equipment was extensively used. Three certified and trained Laser Safety Officers were present at numerous rehearsals and the final performance. The performer was well aware of all effects. Any seemingly hazardous facial or eye exposures were in fact completely safe."

For various reasons, I cannot discuss topics such as the exact devices, techniques, projectors, power levels, etc. involved. I will say that I understand these topics and that I am completely satisfied that, as I said: "any seemingly hazardous facial or eye exposures were in fact completely safe."

Finally, I would like to note that this show was done by top-level professional performers, producers, crew, LSOs, and laser experts working together to safely create a complex-looking effect. Do NOT try to reproduce this without a similar team of world-class experts.

A person trying to duplicate this without the experts, meters, safety equipment and procedures, etc. would risk hazardous exposures which could result in injury in literally the “blink of an eye.”

-- Patrick Murphy

Can you please elaborate on those reasons? We have enough information here that almost anyone can build their own 3-watt hand-held (or have one built for them) and point it around; all they need is the cash to pay for it. With that in mind, what harm could you possibly be doing by describing the equipment and power levels used in the show? Do you believe this community cannot be trusted not to misuse that information?

Assuming anyone here can fork over the cash to buy all that stuff in the first place (or build something similar), they would need a permit from the FDA and probably local health department to hold any kind of major event, especially anything televised. They would also need legal advice regarding the show as well. OF COURSE the laser show was safe, otherwise they never would have been granted their permits and their lawyers would have protested as well.

Laser safety would be the last thing on my mind at any concert or similar event I go to. I am far more worried about being injured by the crowd. That wouldn't apply to an SNL show I guess, but would be relevant at your typical major music show.

That was longer than I originally intended but "I can't tell you, I can't tell you why I can't tell you, but I assure you it's safe!" sounds like something a corporate PR agent would say, or perhaps a government official. Intended or not, that answer is loaded with mistrust. On a forum where the sharing of information is the norm, such an answer is very unsatisfying.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 20, 2011
Messages
39
Points
18
Not everything in the world is happy internet sharing opensource hobbyist LPF goodness. Some companies want to keep a competitive advantage. If they develop a new device or projector or technique or process, they understandably want to keep it for themselves -- at least, until other persons figure out their "secret" or figure out other methods of doing the same thing.

I obtained some information in confidence. I don't have the right to disclose this information. I keep such confidences. It is as simple as that.

Actually, the main point I am trying to state is about future shows. Obviously, any show where lasers appear to go on a performer’s face and eyes risks a hazardous exposure.

My goal is to warn against persons trying to duplicate this without knowledge, devices, techniques, projectors, power levels, etc. some of which I pledged not to repeat for various reasons which are hopefully understandable in the world of business.
 
Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
2,834
Points
63
Not everything in the world is happy internet sharing opensource hobbyist LPF goodness. Some companies want to keep a competitive advantage. If they develop a new device or projector or technique or process, they understandably want to keep it for themselves -- at least, until other persons figure out their "secret" or figure out other methods of doing the same thing.

I obtained some information in confidence. I don't have the right to disclose this information. I keep such confidences. It is as simple as that.

What exactly is the point of saying this...? Sounds like the little kid type of thing, "I know but I'm not telling you!". Why even bring it up, seriously. On a forum all about lasers (information), people don't enjoy stuff like this (I-know-but-i-ain't-sayin kinda stuff).
 




Top