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Back Issues of The Laserist:
Spring 1999

ILDA '98 Conference Reports

Safety

New Products



Amsterdam Conference
Entertains and Enlightens

Laser display professionals from around the world discovered a wealth of new technology, artistry and information during the 12th annual ILDA Conference in Amsterdam. The Nov. 7-9 meeting attracted more attendees from more countries than any previous ILDA meeting, and culminated in an eye-opening awards banquet that featured more laser performances than any past conference.

The meeting marked the first ILDA conference held outside of North America, giving many ILDA members their first exposure to European-style laser shows that feature audience-scanning effects. In other firsts, the conference hosted its first seminar showcasing multimedia exhibits, generated an important position paper on international safety issues, and gave members the opportunity to see several new technologies at the Advanced Technology Workshop (ATW). The 1998 ILDA Trade Show, ILDA's largest ever, featured 23 companies and gave attendees a hands-on look at virtually every product that goes into today's laser displays.

Between meetings, the 152 attending delegates partook of a nighttime canal and harbor cruise and sampled many of Amsterdam's attractions. Delegates also had high praise for meeting host ABC Laser Events and its work in organizing the conference. ILDA President Chris Ward was so pleased with the meeting that he proposed ILDA alternate future conferences between North America and Europe.



ILDA Awards Honor Art and Technology

From corporate presentations to multimedia educational exhibits, the 1998 ILDA Awards for Outstanding Laser Display honored the world's best laser presentations from around the world. Judged by a three-person panel, the ILDA Awards for artistic achievement recognize companies for creativity, professionalism and uniqueness. ILDA's Fenning Award honors companies for technical accomplishments.

Nearly 200 attendees gathered in Amsterdam for the awards banquet, where 13 companies received awards in 11 artistic categories and four companies were honored with Fenning Awards. Several award recipients brought clients with them to the podium and thanked their sponsors for supporting laser displays. Germany's LOBO electronic was honored with six awards, the most received by any company. America's AVI Imagineering with Lasers took home four awards (all of them in the ISP Projector category), as did meeting host ABC LaserEvents of The Netherlands.

The awards were judged by a three-person panel consisting of Alexander Bresinsky, "company b;" Steven Hubbard, The Planning Stage; and Howard Ungerleider, Production Design International. The Fenning Award entries were judged by L. Michael Roberts, Laser F/X International; Tim Walsh, Laser Spectacles; and Ante Uglesic, Lasscan.

The first four categories take advantage of the ILDA Standard Projector (ISP) format. Submissions are made on ADAT tape and are played back for judging using an ISP laser projector.

ISP Beam Module

1st Place: Mount Everest, AVI Imagineering With Lasers
2nd Place: Rock It, FFP Laser Systems
3rd Place: Nightmare, FFP Laser Systems
Honorable Mention: MC303 Beams, Laser Spectacles

ISP Graphic Animation

1st Place: (tie) Dog & Pig, AVI Imagineering With Lasers
1st Place: (tie) Metamorphosis, Lightspeed Design Group

ISP Graphic Module

1st Place: My Way, Strictly FX
2nd Place: Dark and Long, Laseronics Northwest
3rd Place: Money, FirstLight Laser Productions

ISP Graphic + Beam Module

1st Place: Godzilla, AVI Imagineering With Lasers
Honorable Mention: Diana, AVI Imagineering With Lasers

Show Elements: these categories are for compositions that focus on one of the three primary laser show elements: beams, abstracts and graphics. Entries are submitted on videotape.

Beams/Atmospherics

1st Place: Living Lines III, tarm SLL Technik
2nd Place: Lobomania, LOBO electronic

Abstract

1st Place: Sunshower, AVI Imagineering With Lasers
3rd Place: The Woof, Laser Animation Sollinger

Graphic Module

1st Place: BP Convention, CoCoTec Showlaser
2nd Place: Yamaha, ABC LaserEvents
3rd Place: (tie) Enso-1, ABC LaserEvents
3rd Place: (tie) Konica Cebit 98, CoCoTec Showlaser
Honorable Mention: Just One Day, Laser Animation Sollinger

Performance: These three categories are for complete shows that combine two or more of the following elements: beams, abstracts and graphics. Entries are submitted on videotape.

Indoor Show

1st Place: Living Lines II, tarm SLL Technik
2nd Place: Tunnel of Love, ABC LaserEvents
3rd Place: Is There Life On Mercury?, LOBO electronic

Outdoor Show

1st Place: Hemispheric, LOBO electronic
2nd Place: Natale Sotto La Madonnina, Laser Entertainment

Multimedia

1st Place: Convention Sanofi: `Aprovel' Presentation, Laser Entertainment
2nd Place: One Ocean, Lightspeed Design Group
3rd Place: (tie) Enso-2, ABC LaserEvents
3rd Place: (tie) Javelin Thrower, LOBO electronic

Special Application: Displays with a unique application or concept that do not fit easily into other categories. Entries are submitted on videotape.

Honorable Mention: A Day Of A Caterpillar, LOBO electronic

Fenning Award for Technical Achievement

This award honors innovative new products and technologies.

1st Place: Showtime, Pangolin Laser Systems
2nd Place: Catweazle LC, MediaLas Laserproducts
3rd Place: LACON-5, LOBO electronic
Honorable Mention: DMX-Nova, Omicron Laserage Laserprodukte

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Fenning Awards for Technical Achievement

The ILDA Awards for technical achievement, now called the Fenning Awards, honor members that have developed innovative new products or technologies for the laser display field. The award was renamed for the '98 ILDA Conference to honor Fred Fenning, who pioneered laser display technology and ILDA standards during a career that began in 1976 and lasted until his untimely passing in 1997. Fenning was a cofounder of Image Engineering Corp. and the inventor of the "DV" series of digital storage devices.

For 1998, the First Place winner of the Fenning Award for Technical Achievement was Pangolin Laser System's Showtime software program. Developed by William R. Benner, Jr. and Patrick Murphy, Showtime was the first all-in-one laser program that allowed complete shows to be created, edited and performed on a single computer. Showtime lets laserists synchronize frames and animations with the computer's internal CD player and with other sources such as SMPTE time code. It gives users a timeline for sequencing a show, offers video-like frame transitions, and can trigger external devices.Pangolin Laser Systems; (+1) 407-299-2088; www.pangolin.com.

Receiving the Second Place Fenning Award was MediaLas Laserproducts, which was honored for the Catweazle LC galvanometer scanner. Scanners are the heart of any laser projector, and the new scanners by MediaLas were designed to combine linearity, speed and reliability at a low price. The Catweazle performs at the ILDA 30K speed at a 10 degree deflection angle, and has a maximum 40 degrees of deflection. MediaLas: (+49) 7471-91661; www.lasershow.de

The Third Place Fenning Award went to LOBO electronic for its Lacon-5 laser control unit. The Lacon-5 features a hybrid multiprocessor engine that can control up to 12 laser projectors, light systems, and other peripherals. LOBO's optical data link connects all devices, with one fiber capable of controlling up to four laser projectors. A safety monitoring system enables each attached device to react to malfunctions. LOBO: (+49) 7361-9687-0; www.lobo.de

Omnicron Laserage Laserprodukte received honorable mention for DMX-Nova, an interface between laser projectors and the DMX-512 protocol that is standard for theatrical lighting controllers. The device allows operators to use DMX commands to control a laser projector as if it were a theatrical light. Omnicron: (+49) 6106-8224-0; laserage@t-online.de

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ATW Showcases
Hardware and Software

The following summary of the Amsterdam Advanced Technology Workshop was provided by ILDA Technical Committee Chair William Benner, Jr.

Projectors

New Method Lasers: Solid-state RGB Laser Projector

Bob Ash became the first person to show ILDA members a fully solid-state RGB laser projector. Ash said the commercial version of the projector, which is planned for sale this spring, will feature full-color modulation and will output roughly 100 mW of white light. (+1) 727-545-0376; www.laser-light-show.com

Laser Show Systems: Beam Deflection

Laser Show Systems, which has researched acousto-optic beam deflection in entertainment laser projectors for over four years, presented its RGB Laser Projector LSS , the first practical entertainment product to use acousto-optic deflectors to project full-color laser images. (+095) 925-5865; lss@centro.ru

Samsung: Laser Video Projector

Yong-Hoon Kim used videotape and slides to document Samsung's new Laser Video and Show Projector, the first laser-based display device that is compatible with both the NTSC and PAL video signal. In another first, the projector does not rely on a red dye laser, but instead uses a color space converter to get excellent television color reproduction from a single argon-krypton laser source. (+82)331-280-9324; kimyh@saitgw.sait.samsung.co.kr

Software

Pangolin Laser Systems: Masking, Live!

Patrick Murphy demonstrated two new developments for Lasershow Designer software: the Live! controller and image masking. Image masking allows one laser-projected figure to hide, or mask, other laser figures behind it. The Live! controller program assigns stills, animations and other effects to buttons that can be controlled by software or triggered by MIDI keyboards or third-party hardware units. (+1) 407-299-2088; www.pangolin.com

Lasscan: Pangolin Accessories

Ante Uglesic presented a low-cost, high-performance desk-style interface for Pangolin's Live! controller. The new product allows laserists to control effects from an easy-to-use programmable hardware console. Uglesic also demonstrated QuadMod accessories that provide DMX-512 and ISP capability. (+386) 61-271 749; www. lasscan.si

New Wave Productions: Live Control

Derek Garbos showed the Syncmaster Live Control software console and other add-ons for Pangolin's Lasershow Designer. SyncMaster, designed with nightclub users in mind, can be controlled from an optional hardware console. (+1) 514-333-612; www.newwave@aei.net

Holo Spectra: SpectraScan

Bill Arkin discussed improvements to his SpectraScan Suite of software accessories for Pangolin Laser Software. This included the LD Graphic Converter, which converts any computer graphic image into a laser picture; Beam Wizard, a Live Control software interface; and SpectraText, a program that converts True Type text directly into laser images. (+1) 818-994-9577; www.lasershs.com

New Method Lasers: Bitmap Tracing

Bob Ash generated the most "buzz" of the ATW with his demonstration of a new technology that allows users to more easily create 3D digital models by "tracing" small objects and scale models with an articulated arm. Although NML's 3D arm demonstration was a first for the laser community, the technology has been used in virtual reality applications for several years. Ash also presented a new addition to his Full Auto line of software—an automatic bitmap trace facility. This is an updated version of RTV software, and is built into Full Auto. (+1) 727 -545-0376; www.laser-light-show.com

Projector Components

MediaLas: Catweazle Scanning System

Last year Dirk Baur introduced his low-cost closed-loop scanning system dubbed the "Catweazle" system. At that time, the system was only capable of scanning at around 18K. This year, Baur presented a new version that operates at 30K+ scan speeds and should be ready for sale this spring for only $1,000 US, a price that includes scanners, amplifiers and power supply. (+49) 7471-91661; www.medialas.com

NEOS Technologies: PCAOM Blooming Control

Bob Belfatto demonstrated a new "blooming control" optics kit that, for the first time, allows PCAOMs to be used with very high power lasers. Belfatto later demonstrated the kit with a Coherent Sabre laser. (+1) 407-676-9020; www.neostech.com

Creative Laser Productions: Polyphase Diffraction Gratings

Peter Mayer demonstrated his new "polyphase" diffraction grating that combines as many as six grating patterns in one substrate. (+49) 8-947-05611; 100746.751@compuserve.com

MediaLas: Scan Failure Circuit

Dirk Baur showed ATW attendees a new scan-fail safeguard circuit called the CAT-safe. The board is unique in that it uses a microprocessor to aid in detection of scanner failure. (+49) 7471-91661; www.medialas.com

Laser System Europe: Universal Correction

Patrick Awouters presented the C-10 Universal Corrector. Geometric corrections include scale, invert, axis-swap, position, keystone and shear. The C-10 has a built-in test pattern generator, scan-signal safety circuit and color mapper. (+32) 2-425-19-99; laser.system.europe@skynet.be

Lighting Systems Design, Inc: Universal Geometric Corrector

Greg Makhov presented the Universal Geometric Corrector, which is available as either a stand-alone printed circuit card or as a one-unit-high rack mount enclosure. Corrections include scale, invert, position, keystone, shear, linearity, bow-line, and pincushion. (+1) 407-299-9504; www.lsdi.com

Lasers

B&W Tek: Solid State Lasers

Sean Wang demonstrated several new compact solid-state lasers for laser display applications, most of them small diode-pumped, solid-state green YAG lasers. He also demonstrated a solid-state red laser coupled to a fiber-optic output. (+1) 302-368-7824; www.bwtek.com
Spring 1999 THE LASERIST Page

MediaLas: High-Speed Scanners

MediaLas Laserproducts says its new Catweazle LC scan units break price and performance barriers for high performance galvanometers. The new scanners are claimed to scan as fast as the 30K ILDA rate but are priced at only $999 US. The units feature a new internal magnetic scanner design, improved magnetic coupling and an enhanced driver. They were designed by MediaLas with the assistance of William Benner, Jr. of Pangolin Laser
Systems. Media Las: (+49) 7471-91661; www.lasershow.de

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Trade Show Gets
Down to Business

If you want to learn first-hand about the latest products in the world of laser displays, the best place to be is ILDA's annual trade show. The 1998 trade exhibit featured nearly two-dozen companies that brought samples of virtually every hardware and software component that goes into today's laser displays. The following list includes each company's phone number and Internet address.

B & W Tek: Manufactures diode-pumped solid-state semiconductor lasers (blue/green/red/infrared), laser optics, laser and nonlinear crystals, laser drivers and scanner subsystems. (+1) 302-368-7824; www.bwtek.com

Cambridge Lasers Laboratories: Specializes in ion tube replacements, laser system sales and rentals for argon, krypton and mixed-gas products. Consultation and on-site installation of laser systems for indoor and outdoor venues. (+1) 510-651-0110; www.cambridgelasers.com

Cambridge Technology, Inc: Manufactures high-performance closed-loop galvanometers and supporting products. (+1) 617-441-0600; www.@camtech.com

Coherent Laser Group: Comprehensive product line in argon, krypton and mixed-gas lasers for laser displays. (+1) 408-764-4000; www.cohr.com

Creative Laser Production: Manufactures high-end Lightarium laser projection systems, Horizontscan projectors and Lightworld diffraction gratings. (+49) 89-4705611; CreativeLaser@compuserve.com

Holo-Spectra, Inc.: Supplies LD Graphic Converter, BeamWizard software, Cat's Meow laser graphic projector and the new LitePipe optical positioning system. (+1) 818-994-9577; www.lasershs.com

HB-Laserkomponenten: Manufactures laser optics and laser show components, rents laser equipment, sells used lasers and provides laser repair services. (+49) 7171-61107; www.hb-laser.com

Laser Physics, Inc.: Manufactures air-cooled argon and white-light lasers designed for the entertainment industry. (+1) 801-975-2668; www.laserphysics.com

Laser Power Corporation: Manufactures compact diode-pumped solid-state lasers for display applications, including 0.4 watts blue (457 nm), 2.5 watts green (532 nm) and 0.5 watts red (656 nm). (+1) 619-755-0700; www.laserpower.com

Laser System Europe: Produces large-scale laser shows, sells and rents laser equipment, and manufactures PCAOMs and geometric correction cards. (+32) 2-425-1999; www.laser-system-europe.com

LaserAnimation Sollinger: Manufactures Lasergraph DSP workstation with full-color 3D projections. Also produces scanner drivers and PCAOM electronics. (+49) 30-788-1950; www.laseranination.com

Laserpromotions BV: Produces laser presentations and manufactures laser projection systems. The company was showing its new line of modular optics that allow shutters, PCAOMs and other components to be easily inserted into the beam path. (+31) 71-531-5561; laserpro@euronet.nl

Lasscan: Provides laser shop production services and laser display equipment rentals, including DMX/MIDI laser control systems, laser projectors, laser display software, and water screens. (+386) 61-123-3790; lasscan@eunet.si

Lighting Systems Design, Inc.: Manufactures Turbo Track scan amps, Universal Geometric Corrector and full-color projectors. Provides laser safety consulting, show programming and show production services. LSDI shared its booth with Lee Laser, which manufactures 532 nm lasers. (+1) 407-299-9504; www.lsdi.com (+1) 407-812-4611; www.leelaser.com

LDS Light Design GmbH: Manufactures laser display software and a portable laser display system with integrated computer screen, keyboard, MIDI keyboard, trackball and Ethernet hub. (+49) 40-853-743-03; www.lightdesign.de

MDG Fog Generators Ltd.: Manufactures a complete product line of fog generators. MDG's Atmosphere is a unique hazing system designed to enhance laser beams. (+1) 514-272-6040; www.mdgfog.com

MediaLas Laserproducts GmbH:
Manufactures Catweazle scanners (the latest version of which was shown scanning at 30K+ speeds) galvo drivers and other laser display equipment, including a new scan-failure circuit card. (+49) 7471-91661; www.medilas.com

MVM Electronics, Inc.: Manufactures PCAOMs and related products, including modulators, tunable filters and laser power stabilizers. (+1) 407-752-8010; mshah1@aol.com

NEOS Technologies: Manufactures acousto-optic components used in the entertainment industry for color modulation and scanning, including PCAOMs, Q-Switches, AOMs and AO scanners. (+1) 407-676-9020; www.neostech.com

New Method Lasers: Manufactures X29 and Full Auto laser controllers as well as projectors and beam table components. Distributor of NEOS PCAOMs and Cambridge galvos. (+1) 813-545-0376; www.laser-light-show.com

Pangolin Laser Systems: Manufactures real-time 3D graphics software and CADA-MOD boards used to record laser signals on ADAT tape decks. (+1) 407-299-2088; www.pangolin.com

Spectra-Physics Lasers, Inc and Spectra-Physics Lasers BV: Manufactures full range of lasers for entertainment, scientific and industrial markets, including white-light ion, argon ion, krypton-ion , and green diode-pumped lasers. (+1) 800-SPL-LASER; www.spectra-physics.com (+31) 40-265-9959; www.splasers.com

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The `98 Awards Show:
How It Was Done
By Tim Walsh, Chair, ILDA Awards Committee

The 1998 ILDA Awards had the good fortune to be hosted at the Claus! Hoofddorp in Amsterdam, a meeting and entertainment hall just outside the city. The banquet room used for the awards had a very stylish design, with a wrap-around balcony and a formal stage with plenty of room for beam effects. The room was very unlike a typical hotel ballroom—it had character—and proved to be an excellent setting for showing the award-winning laser shows.

Everyone from the USA looked forward to the ILDA meeting scheduled for Europe because they wanted to experience the wonderful audience scanning effects that are always present on the ILDA Awards videotape. They were not disappointed! The audience was swimming in laser beams.

A total of 24 pieces were presented in laser, and only five winners were shown on videotape. This was the largest number of award winners ever seen in laser, and goes a long way toward achieving my dream of having every award-winning entry seen in laser light.

The setup for the 1998 Awards was very simple and effective. Meeting host ABC LaserEvents provided a Coherent Sabre 10-watt white-light laser, which was split into four beams, each beam running into its own NEOS PCAOM. Each of the four modulated beams was coupled to a fiber and run to the stage to feed four Accurate projector units provided by LaserAnimation Sollinger (each Accurate projector used Cambridge 6800 scanners with scan-failure driver boards designed by Michael Sollinger).

Two of the Accurate units were mounted upstage center to project graphics onto a retractable scrim mounted on the ceiling; the other two units were mounted downstage left and right for atmospheric effects and for audience
scanning.

To accommodate the vast range of pieces (furnished by more than a dozen different companies), three playback systems were used: 1) a pair of ADAT/XT tape decks furnished by Laser Spectacles and used for the ILDA Standard Projector pieces; 2) a Pangolin LD Pro system; and 3) a Lasergraph DSP system. A series of switch boxes made it easy to switch between each piece.

In addition to the Awards banquet, the Claus! Hoofddorp was used for the Lase-Off, which took place the previous evening. Once an impromptu event that followed the banquet, the Lase-Off has become more formalized over the years. It is basically an open house where any member can display their work.

Setup for the shows began the morning of the Lase-Off. After some initial confusion about what exactly was an "ILDA Standard Connector" (and some quick soldering of adaptors), the setup proceeded smoothly. As we did last year, we were able to open the doors on time both nights and had few or no technical problems.

We did experience a moment of tension when it was decided to invite two safety inspectors attending the conference to evaluate the safety of the show. Although few technicians like to have someone looking over their shoulder, John O'Hagan from Great Britain and Wolfgang Kirchner from Germany were most gracious and easy to work with. They were very understanding of our goals for the evening.

Special thanks go to Michel Wenzel and WimWinkelmolen from ABC LaserEvents, Michael Sollinger and Stefan Rieck from LaserAnimation Sollinger, and Tim Walsh from Laser Spectacles for providing the equipment and personal attention needed to complete the setup. Vendors that provided additional equipment included Spectra Physics, which delivered a Chroma 10 white-light laser for backup, and Lighting Systems Design, which supplied a Universal Geometric Controller.

Other persons working to ensure the success of the two evenings included Michael Roberts, who helped plan the Lase-Off and acted as master of ceremonies; Richard Gonsalves, who worked on producing the physical awards; Steve Heminover, master of ceremonies for the Awards Banquet; and Patrick Murphy, who produced the Awards program.

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New Airspace Regs May Benefit Laserists
By Patrick Murphy, ILDA Airspace Issues Coordinator

The December SAE G-10T meeting in Orlando, Florida focused on new
regulations the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration plans to issue in mid-1999. The regulations will determine how the FAA will process applications by laser companies that want to perform outdoor shows.

This was one of the most productive meetings ever by the G-10T committee, a volunteer panel that advises the FAA on how to prevent entertainment and other lasers from posing a hazard to aircraft. The light show industry was able to make a number of points that would enhance both aircraft safety and our ability to do timely shows.

ILDA members present at the meeting included: Tony Zmorenski, ILDA Board Member and Walt Disney World safety officer; Greg Makhov, ILDA Safety Committee Chair; Patrick Murphy, ILDA Airspace Issues Coordinator; Drew Foster,AVI Imagineering With Lasers; Jay Parkinson, Greg Rockwell and Jim Ponce, all of Rockwell Laser Industries.

The FAA has a new attitude of urgency towards the laser issue. They finally want to fund the Oklahoma City simulator testing (to gauge the effects of laser light on pilot performance). They also want G-10T to develop an "Advisory Circular" with information for pilots and a document that summarizes all available information relating to laser/aircraft hazards.

The current regulations governing lasers in airspace, known as "7400.2D,"
will be greatly stripped down when they are reissued later this year. The new regulations, 7400.2E, will focus only on what the FAA airspace procedures specialists will need to know to process laser applications. The new document will not have information useful to applicants (i.e., laser show companies); instead, this information is expected to be included in a separate document. It was felt this will separate the FAA's regulatory responsibility from its advice to applicants.

One of the documents worked on was proposed by Rockwell Laser Industries. It is a reporting form that includes all the details FAA will need to evaluate a laser installation. The draft "FAA Laser Light Show Report" form is available as a Microsoft Word document at Rockwell's Web site (www.rli.com).

One thing which the FAA made clear is that it wants laser companies to use compasses, inclinometers and (if appropriate) GPS devices to verify any beam pointing restrictions. Rockwell officials discussed plans for their software program, Skyzan, that may help meet future FAA requirements. The upcoming version of the program will feature integrated reporting, allowing users to perform calculations and generate FAA reports at the same time. The resulting "Laser Light Show Report" form will be the same one used by the FAA. The updated program is expected to be released in mid-1999.

ILDA will continue to work closely with the FAA and SAE G-10T on this draft. More information is posted about the FAA rules on the ILDA Web site (under Safety Committee). If you have comments, please send them directly to me: Patrick Murphy, Airspace Issues Coordinator, pm@pangolin.com.

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Audience Scanning: Let's Do It Right
By Dirk Baur, ILDA Board Member

What's the finest and most exciting thing a laserist can do? Create a nice audience scanning beam show and bring three-dimensional dreams into the viewer's heart! That's what all laserists are striving for, and it is the way many Europeans do their shows. But there are differences in the way audience scanning can be done: it can be safe, or it can be uncomfortably bright. I hope ILDA can promote a method of doing safe audience scanning.

An important step in bringing so-called "European-style" audience scanning to ILDA members occurred in November 1998 at the Amsterdam conference. Stephen Heminover, master of ceremonies for the Awards presentation, made a good point: "Amsterdam, the nicest place on earth: Sex, drugs and audience scanning—everything's legal!" He's right. But as we found out in Amsterdam, audience scanning is legal everywhere — even in the United States! Here's why.

At the 1997 ILDA Conference in Nebraska I was curious to find out more about the differences between European and American safety standards. A few times I was told, "There is no difference. The Europeans just measure it wrong!" And my thought was, "No, the US measures it wrong!" At the 1998 ILDA Conference, laser safety experts from several countries sat together and talked about safe audience scanning. And you wouldn't believe it: the list of differences is very small!

In Amsterdam, we invited safety experts from several countries to attend a meeting on audience scanning safety. Each expert arrived with his own opinion and his own measurement system: John O'Hagan (UK) with the "MPE-meter;" LOBO electronic (Germany) brought an LMS-2 meter; Dr. Wolfgang Kirchner (Germany) used a Coherent power meter; and Greg Makhov (USA) brought his own measurement system. The group privately tested a simple figure (a circle) scanned over a distance of 10 meters with an output power of 200 mW at the scan aperture. The initial results were disappointing. Every measuring system had a different analysis of the MPE, sometimes with a difference of more than 10 times! Later, we discovered the reasons for this difference.

Almost 20 ILDA members found their way to the public safety seminar held the following day. After the first break, three people left the discussion to drive to the facility where the Lase-Off and the Awards Banquet would take place. The plan was to measure the audience scanning beam show scheduled for that evening. John O'Hagan and Wolfgang Kirchner were chosen to take measurements and I had the task of coordinating between all the parties.

I was very eager to see the results between the two officers, and this time I experienced a wonder. Both John O'Hagan and Wolfgang Kirchner came to the same results. After decreasing the output power of the laser to 3.75 watts, the MPE-meter was in the safe range. All parties came to an agreement to stay at this level and to provide ILDA members with a safe and exciting audience scanning show.

What I want to emphasize is the common ground discovered in Amsterdam. Although the initial measurements of the scanned circle varied considerably, we discovered the differences were caused by using different units of measurements. There was, in fact, no significant difference in the MPE standards used by Germany, Britain or the U.S.

It is not impossible to do safe and exciting audience scanning shows, which confirm to both European and US laws. I talked to several people who reported the comfortable feeling they had watching the safe beam shows during the beginning of the Lase-Off. It is now ILDA's job to develop a way of bringing this knowledge to its members. Perhaps we will see fantastic audience shows in the United States sometime in the future—at full legal power!

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Position Paper Unites Laserists, Safety Officers

The controversial issue of audience scanning came one step closer to being resolved at the ILDA Conference in Amsterdam. A joint panel of safety officials and laser company representatives put to rest the long-held misconception that safety standards for eye-exposure to lasers vary from country to country.

"Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels [for laser light] were derived from studies and discussions by international experts," said a statement by the panel. " These standards set forth essentially the same MPE in most industrialized countries. There are not `different standards in different countries.'"

Although some countries are not strict in enforcing MPE levels, the panel agreed that MPE levels are here to stay and that it is the responsibility of laser operators to follow them. "It is unprofessional and risky," said the panel, "to produce an unsafe show (or a show where the hazards are not analyzed)."

The panel suggested specific methods for measuring MPE levels and recommended a number of steps operators could take to safely perform audience scanning shows.

Industry representatives on the panel included Dirk Baur, MediaLas, Germany; Greg Makhov, Lighting Systems Design, USA (and Chair of ILDA's Safety Committee); Patrick Murphy, Pangolin Laser Systems, USA; and Tony Zmorenski, Walt Disney World, USA. The non-industry members of the panel were Daniel Clark, Loughborough College, UK; Wolfgang Kirchner, WKL, Germany; and John O'Hagan, National Radiological Protection Board, UK.

A complete copy of the statement follows:

Full Text of Amsterdam
Safety Panel Statement on Audience Scanning

International Laser Safety Seminar
November 8, 1998 · Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Opening Remarks
Moderator: Tony Zmorenski, Safety Officer, Walt Disney World
Geoff Jones, Entertainment Laser Association, UK
Dr. Daniel Clark, Loughborough College, UK
John O'Hagan, National Radiological Protection Board, UK
Dirk Baur, MediaLas GmbH, Germany
Dr. Wolfgang Kirchner, WKL, Germany
Greg Makhov, ILDA Safety Committee
Patrick Murphy, Pangolin Laser Systems, US

General Principles
Lasers can be eye-safe, up to a certain level.
Beyond a certain level, lasers are definitely eye hazards. There must be safe procedures to prevent damage . But first we must know: At what light level does there begin to be damage?

The Concept of MPE Levels
Since 1972, there has been an internationally agreed-upon hazard concept: the "MPE" or Maximum Permissible Exposure. Actually, the "MPE" includes many different exposure limits, depending on the laser wavelength and time of exposure. The MPE for a given wavelength and exposure duration means: 10 times less than the light level where 50% of subjects' eyes had visible damage. Expressed another way: shining light at the MPE level into a subject's eye has a statistical chance of damaging 3 out of every 100 subjects. In summary, the MPE is a worst-case "safety factor". Exposure at the MPE level is already somewhat hazardous (statistically 3 out of 100 eyes would show signs of visible damage.) So additional factors such as a moving beam are assumed to further reduce the risk.

International Laws and Regulations
The MPE levels were derived from studies and discussions by international experts in laser safety. The MPE is here to stay. It would be difficult or impossible to try to change the MPE. Public safety is expressed by standards which set the maximum legal exposure. These standards set forth essentially the same MPE in most industrialized nations. There are not "different standards in different countries". What differs is enforcement: Some countries are very strict, such as the United States. They demand extensive proof before they allow audience scanning. Some countries were lenient, but now are strict such as the United Kingdom. Owing to the efforts of just two people, audience scanning enforcement was tightened significantly. Some countries are lenient or may not understand or apply the standards. In these countries, it is routinely possible to scan audiences with light significantly exceeding the MPEs.

Responsibilities of Laser Operators
If in a country with strict enforcement, the regulations must be followed. If in a country without strict enforcement, the MPE levels must be followed, for three reasons:
1) Companies must be professional. It is unprofessional and risky to produce an unsafe show (or a show where the hazards are not analyzed).
2) Companies must be proactive. This is to avoid government regulations, or clients worried by press reports (e.g., laser pointers)
3) Companies must be aware of what will happen if only a few well-placed people start to examine shows, and find unsafe ones (e.g., U.K.)
Safety can be a marketing advantage against low-budget, unsafe competitors. Do clients want to risk harm to their audience?

Technical Factors in Audience Scanning
Non-scanning effects (audience illumination): Diffraction gratings, lumia light washes. High-inertia scanners (takes >1 second to stop): Mirror balls, cone scanner, polygon scanner.
Both [of the above effects] are relatively safe -- easy to detect failure, time to close shutters. These have been approved in the U.S. for audience scanning.

Low-inertia scanners (takes less than 1 second to stop), Galvanometer scanners, AO deflectors.These [three effects] are riskier -- harder to detect failure, shorter time to stop light output. Needs a very fast shutter such as a PCAOM. Unapproved (or very rare) in the U.S. for audience scanning

(Note: The rest of the discussion focuses on low-inertia scanners; specifically, galvo scanners)

Measurements of the MPE Levels
There are MPEs for three types of exposure: average, single pulse, reduced single pulse. Because we are talking about scanning, in most situations only "reduced single pulse" needs to be examined. This is more than one pulse (scan) in 1/4 second. Even a fan scan (scanning a line and moving it down the audience) would cause multiple pulses in less than 1/4 second, into a single eye. Thus, "reduced single pulse" applies. The pulse duration (how long the beam scans across a 7mm aperture) is the most important measurement.

Measuring with an oscilloscope and detector.
Measuring with a LOBO LMS-2 meter
Measuring with a POE MPE Meter.

Audience Scanning Safety Practices
Caution: No system or test can absolutely guarantee eye safety when deliberately scanning the audience. You should use accepted instruments and practices to check the questionable parts of your show. The following tips are general ways to make your show safer through good design practices, and if accepted instruments are not available at your show site.

Do Not Scan with Pulsed Lasers
Pulsed lasers (e.g., metal vapor, pulsed YAG, pulsed solid-state) are inherently hazardous due to the power of each pulse. It requires exacting calculations to even consider scanning an audience with pulsed lasers. Because of the great potential danger, use continuous wave lasers (e.g., he-ne, argon, krypton, diodes, cw YAG, cw solid-state) only.

Increase Divergence
For ranges of less than 30 meters, using a lens to increase divergence can allow for visually effective power levels while maintaining controllable irradiance levels. A bright, fuzzy beam is far safer (and more visually effective) than a dim, tight beam with the same irradiance.

Don't Use a Single Beam
You should never aim a single beam into the audience. In general, if a single beam is safe, then any scanned effects such as cones and fans will spread the light out, and be too dim to be effective.

Move the Projected Effects
When projecting a fan or tunnel, move the effect through the audience. This reduces the multiple pulse accumulation.

Don't Rely on Faster Scanning
In general, you will not increase safety by scanning faster. Although the beam spends less time in the eye, there are more crossings of the eye, and thus the total light energy delivered remains about the same.

Attenuate Power with Size
The smaller the projected effect, the greater the concentration of energy. Any effect that grows from a point, or shrinks to a point should have a proportional fade in/ fade out.

Limit Anchor (Dwell) Points
Anchor points reduce beam velocity and increase exposure. Where possible, use blanking to emphasize beams, rather than anchor points.

Scan Fail Interlock
Use a scan fail interlock of some sort. Chances of a still beam from a laser entering someone's eye are small, but consider the consequences!

Program "No-Exposure" Conditions in the Show
Allow time for the eyes to recover by parking effects outside of the audience area. A good "no-exposure" time is 10 seconds or longer.

Measure the Irradiance
Typical shows should not exceed 10 milliwatts per centimeter squared, or 100 watts per meter squared. You need to know what you are delivering to the audience.

Quick Test for Aversion Response
Note: The following tip is only for use when you believe your show is safe by using the above tips AND you are aware you could damage your eyes if your show is not safe. Use your computer or PCAOM controls to set the laser output to all green or all white. Run the show while standing at the closest audience access point. As the laser crosses your eyes, evaluate the brightness. If you have a desire to avert your eyes, you are probably approaching or exceeding the internationally agreed safety levels (MPE).

Respect the Audience
Not everyone enjoys bright lights in their eyes. Remember that they trust you to ensure their safety.

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New Products

LasCoNetwork
LasCoNetwork 2.0 is a new laser display controller first presented at the 1998 ILDA Conference by LDS Light Design GmbH. LDS says the program offers the features of more powerful software packages at one-third the price.LasCoNetwork processes in real-time, with all programming changes seen simultaneously on the computer screen and on the laser output. The program features automatic hidden lines, image masking, virtual cameras and more. LasCoNetwork runs under Windows 95, 98, or NT. Each scan processor card provides up to 32 digital outputs, allowing complex animation and system control with a single user interface. For added flexibility, LasCoNetwork uses SMPTE timecode and CD timecode, as well as DMX control. External systems can be automatically synchronized via ISDN, Ethernet or wireless data transfer. LDS Light Design: (+49)40 853 743 03
www.lightdesign.de

Great White Lasers
Las Vegas Lasers has expanded its line of low-cost Great White white-light lasers. Three models are available that range from 1 watt to 10 watts, with prices from $9,999 to $37,900. The lasers are constructed around patented ceramic laser technology and incorporate Invar resonators for long-term reliability. Las Vegas Lasers: (+1) 209-367-1980; www.whitelightlaser.com

New Anarchy Program
Moscow-based Laser Action has announced its new Anarchy Editor, a low-cost software program that creates 3D laser images and can also create scanned vector laser images from any True Type computer font. With such fonts available in virtually any language, Laser Action says its new program "breaks the monopoly of English on laser screens. Now you can type words in the drawing window as you do in a word processor." The $300 US program is available to ILDA members for $200. Laser Action Ltd.; fax: (+007) 095-942-63-23; www.glasnet.ru/~laseraction/Anarchy.html

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