The Impressive Display: What Would Happen if a Powerful Laser Were Directed at a Disco Ball?

Imagine a scenario where a powerful laser, not a cutting laser, was directed at a massive disco ball on a crowded dance floor. This event occurred during Pink Floyd's Division Bell world tour, which took place in Earls Court, London. With a capacity of over nineteen thousand attendees, the sight and sound created a truly memorable experience.

A Brief History and Technical Specifications

Durigne the performance, a very powerful laser system was in use. This system, used for several tracks, was the brightest and most powerful available at the time. It was so potent that it even garnered a warning from the Civil Aviation Authority when a portion of the roof was left open, resulting in a laser display visible several miles away. The laser system consisted of two 50W copper-vapour sources, each costing ￡120,000, a figure typically reserved for nuclear research. This kind of laser technology was not exactly something one would find in a typical concert setting.

Adorning the center of the room was a colossal mirror ball, measuring six meters or approximately 16 feet in diameter. Usually, this ball was hidden high up in the roof behind black drapes. Its unveiling during the encore of the song Comfortably Numb was a grand tradition, whereby it was lit from below by twelve floodlights, splitting its fa?ade to reveal an incredible, color-changing light and an 12kW HMI (Hydrogen-Metal Halide) lamp surrounded by moving dichroic mirrors. The resulting display was nothing short of spectacular.

The Enchanted Moment

During the final song, Run Like Hell, featuring lasers, the mirror ball would typically be quickly returned to its hidden state. However, on a particular night, the ball remained visible for a brief moment, leading to an unforeseen and spectacular visual. As the song began, the ball’s petals caught the laser, creating a kaleidoscope of color. The effect was so intense and vibrant that it could only be compared to a drug-induced dream or a severe blow to the head.

For two seconds, the intense light from the ball and the laser merged, creating a short but breathtaking display of color and light. It was a mesmerizing moment that etched itself into the memories of all present, over 25 years ago.

The Potential Hazards of a Power Laser

While the potential consequences of a malfunctioning manufacturing laser are more severe, the moving nature of the disco ball acted as a safeguard. The constant movement of the ball ensures that the beam does not linger on a single spot for any extended period. However, the exposure could still cause serious harm, particularly to the eye. Laser beams, especially those of such intensity, might permanently damage vision if direct eye contact is made.

These events serve as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in high-energy laser applications and the awe-inspiring yet potentially perilous nature of powerful laser displays in a dance floor setting.