Laser display artists put on shows, usually outdoors in arenas or fields, using laser lights. Many of these artists only work part-time on displays, while holding down other jobs.
The word ‘laser’ comes from the first letters of the words ‘light amplified by stimulated emission of radiation’. Lasers convert electrical power into a beam of light or optical power.
To understand the wide range of duties that lasers can perform, potential artists need to understand the laser light properties, namely, monochrome or single colour, coherence or light waves that link like a chain, and directionality or light that radiates very little. The colour of light depends on the wavelength. Red light has the longest wavelength and violet the shortest, while white light is a combination. Directionality refers to the fact that light from the laser only travels in one direction unlike ordinary light, which radiates away from the surface.
There are many kinds of lasers. Some lasers produce continuous power, while others make short bursts. Some are small enough to be hand-held. Some lasers are so powerful that they can drill holes through thick metal plates and detonate explosives.
In-service training may be provided under the supervision of an experienced laser display artist.
Laser display artists are usually self-employed, usually in a part-time capacity
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