Filmmaker Brian Haidet has achieved a groundbreaking feat by recording a laser beam at an astounding 2 billion frames per second. This remarkable experiment, shared on his YouTube channel AlphaPhoenix, showcases the extraordinary potential of high-speed photography, despite the project being limited to a one-pixel video that is repeated to create a full image.
To accomplish this milestone, Haidet completely overhauled his filming apparatus. In December 2022, he had already set a record with a camera that operated at 1 million frames per second. This time, he significantly enhanced the resolution and speed by updating vital components, including motors, hardware, oscilloscopes, signaling systems, and both recording and processing software.
One of the most fascinating outcomes of this advanced setup is the perception of light traveling at different speeds based on its direction relative to the camera. Light beams reflecting off fog particles that are closer to the camera seem to arrive sooner than those bouncing back from further away. This phenomenon visually demonstrates aspects of special relativity and offers a tangible experience of complex scientific principles right from Haidet’s garage.
Haidet’s work not only pushes the boundaries of high-speed cinematography but also provides valuable insights into the nature of light and motion. The experiment serves as an engaging introduction to advanced physics concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience.
For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this project, Haidet has made additional material available, providing a comprehensive look at the technology and techniques used in this cutting-edge filming process.
