Laser Vortex

Step 12 The Fun Part

Break out your laser and point it at the spinning mirror. The reflected beam should create a circle rather than a point. In low light, point a small fog machine so the dense fog passes across the path of the reflected laser beam and you should have your vortex

Green Vortex:

Red/Green Vortex:

Video of Halloween 2006

I recommend watching the video if you can. It contains some ideas for other more suitable motors that could be used like computer case fans. A higher voltage DC motor could also be purchased at your local Radio Shack, electrical store or hobby shop. Using a higher voltage motor and placing a lower voltage on it is a good way to reduce the speed for smoother operation.

Project Video Part One

Project Video Part Two

Comments

[Dain Unicorn]

I may be showing my age.... But it is very reminiscent of the "time travel vortex" effect used in the 1981 movie, "The Final Countdown".

Very cool

[hemorrhoidhunter]

it reminds me of the game "Portal"...

[ht2o]

realy realy kool i might be able to try this when i get bat home

[freedomfighter]

hey awesome idea! what is the song that you used in the first video the green vortex?

[mever]

That is Midnight Syndicate, Born Of The Night. I think Born Of The Night is the name of the album as well but you really can't go wrong with any of their work to set a Halloween mood.

[bustedit]

How long can you leave a (relatively inexpensive) 5mw laser ON before you need to be concerned w burning it out? Or is that even a problem? I thought I read somewhere not to have it on continuosly for more than 30 secs. Very nice instructable, too!

[mever]

Thats a very good question that has not been asked before. With any half decent non-modified 5mw laser, it will not harm it to be on for several hours. My cheep $20 green 5mw runs for about 4 hours straight time on Halloween and has no issues through the last two seasons. Over driving a laser diode for long periods of time will kill it by causing it to over heat. You can boost its output by modifying it or pushing more power than it was designed to handle but it can harm your laser, especially if left on in this over driven state for long durations. You should have no troubles as long as you do not modify it.

[v_rancher]

well, that's a really good effect & nice to see the varyiances available for in the effect just with some simple changes to cheap motors & mirrors/mounts/angles.
keep on goin'....
rob =][=