A groundbreaking experiment has emerged from the innovative mind of Brian Haidet, who recently shared a video on his AlphaPhoenix channel capturing a laser beam at an astonishing 2 billion frames per second. While the output is a one-pixel video repeated to create a full rendering, the project showcases remarkable advancements in high-speed photography.
To achieve this feat, Haidet entirely rebuilt his apparatus. Previously, in December 2022, he had developed a camera capable of recording at 1 million frames per second. This latest iteration, however, required significant upgrades. Haidet enhanced the motors, hardware, oscilloscope, signaling, recording software, and processing software. Essentially, every component underwent substantial improvement to reach the new benchmark.
The experiment yielded intriguing results, particularly with how light behaves in relation to the camera. When light travels towards the camera, it appears to move noticeably faster than when it recedes. This phenomenon is an artifact of the setup: laser beams reflecting off fog particles closer to the camera arrive sooner than those bouncing back from farther away. This effect provides a fascinating visualization of special relativity in action, all conducted in Haidet’s garage.
Haidet’s work not only pushes the boundaries of high-speed imaging but also serves as a captivating exploration of light and perception. For those intrigued by the details of this experiment, Haidet offers additional content that delves deeper into the technical aspects of his setup and findings.
This experiment highlights the intersection of creativity and technology in scientific exploration and exemplifies how innovative thinkers like Brian Haidet continue to challenge the limits of what is possible in the realm of imaging.
