can anybody help? (technical challenge)

[seen206]

Hi All

I am a student doing an art/science project regarding lasers (I know its a bizarre mix for a project but just read on).

Basically I need to know if it is possible to filter out 'natural' light so that only lasers can be seen. So imagine a black background and just the laser light being seen (or even just the source appearing as like a dot). Is there any type of filter or lens or anything that has the ability to distinguish laser light from normal light?

And to make it harder I cant use dust or powder, and the scene will be in normal daylight.

Apologies if this question is really naive my scientific knowledge in general is not brilliant.

If anyone can help me on this I would be very grateful. Or even if anyone can point me in the direction of somewhere/someone that might be able to help me.


Thanks

Sean

 

[qumefox]

It's 'technically' possible, but unlikely financially possible. What you need is a pass-band filter.. I.e. One that only lets through specified wavelengths. However having one custom made will likely be an expensive endeavor.. Especially if it's it's a large one, say, bigger than 15mm x 15mm. Though even then, normal light will still contain some of the same wavelength as your laser.. so that light will make it through the filter.. so it won't be anything like a laser on a totally black background.. unless of course.. your background really is black.

 

[JBTexas]

Partially, what qumefox said ^

+

... high quality polarizing filters? One on each laser, one on the camera lens (or goggles... you weren't specific whether this is to be just viewed, or photographed); all rotated to the same alignment;

... and the "natural" lightsource(s) tuned to opposite alignment.

Hard enough as it is. I think it's safe to FORGET about "in normal daylight".

 

[Cyparagon]

Though even then, normal light will still contain
some of the same wavelength as your laser.

A red laser with a mercury lamp :

 

[hakzaw1]

More details of your goal would help a lot.. "art/science project" is kinda vague.
we rarely use dust or powder- Hazers - fog machines and even just for pics insense sticks get used. Good Luck- someone here will help if you tell s a little more...hak

 

[qumefox]

He also said he can't fog up the place, so that makes red kind of crappy if beams are wanted.

 

[Cyparagon]

Ion laser then? :undecided:

I agree. More info is needed.

 

[hakzaw1]

Some one should also mention doing this project with laser safety in mind.:shhh:

technically in some locals what you want to do may be not entirely legal . :undecided:

where are you and how can we help you?
For $ and ability to be seen- only choice is 532. how long must it run? -green 15mW ospec labby(ttl) 41$(iirc) from houston.et al-- 100% duty
still a potential safety hazard. we need more input

EDIT

Guess Seen206 thought we would not be much help as we have not heard or SEEN from him or her since the OP.

PEOPLE-- we want to help when we can but if you dont keep on top of the posts we are pretty much wasting our time trying to help you.