Laser Trails

[chickitaflower]

I am wrapping up an experiment involving laser diffraction and I wanted some amazing pictures. I took a few and I wanted some feedback regarding what would make these pictures more amazing. These are both long exposure pictures in which I used a white card to show the laser light. All feedback is welcome.

[RustBeltRaw]

Long exposure is a very good start for this subject. I would try adding some light painting to highlight the apparatus. The beams are very cool (though I think you could use some more depth of field to keep them sharp from to back), and you've definitely got a unique subject.

[chickitaflower]

Thanks. I am 'light painting' in the image. You cannot see laser light in air. I will try to get a better depth of field focus. I struggled with that for a while.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi,

Is it worth trying a little bit of smoke (or talc) to show the beams better?

Could you do me a favour please?
Could you Edit your Profile and put your first name in the Real Name field and where you are (roughly) in the Location field? - thanks.

Welcome (even if you have been here 2 years) to the CiC forums from ...

[chickitaflower]

Hi Dave,

I cannot use any talc, smoke, etc. to show the beams. That would damage the optics and the electronics in my experiment.

Thanks for the welcome. I've updated my profile per your request

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Nicolle,

Ah, ok, we don't want to get you in trouble or out of pocket

"laser diffraction" - making holograms?
Or just measuring things (very) accurately?

Thanks,

[chickitaflower]

Neither! It's a Fourier filter experiment. Once I get my paper written I can send you a cliff note's version.

[chickitaflower]

I've taken new pictures and I would appreciate more feedback. I increased the depth of field and I think these turned out better than the last two.

[Donald]

I increased the depth of field and I think these turned out better than the last two.

That is, no doubt, part of the answer. But I think the overall lighting in the second set is much better than in the first.

[chickitaflower]

Thank you. I illuminated the equipment with a flashlight for part of the exposure.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Nicolle,

Thanks for updating us, as Donald says, these are better.

I prefer the 1st and 2nd in the latest batch, because the third has (in my opinion) too many different coloured light sources, many are bright spots or areas near the edge, which take the eye out of frame.

Good luck with the paper,

[Kaye Leggett]

The second batch are really good - they have a surreal quality to them

[MilT0s]

Nice images!

You can try some "clean cloud" for scattering without the dirt. Dry ice works well.