Innovative Filmmaker Captures Light at 2 Billion Frames per Second

A remarkable new video experiment has captured the attention of the scientific and technological communities by recording a laser beam at an astonishing 2 billion frames per second. Filmmaker Brian Haidet, known for his work on the AlphaPhoenix channel, achieved this groundbreaking feat by meticulously rebuilding his recording apparatus from the ground up.

In December 2022, Haidet had previously set a record with a camera that operated at 1,000,000,000 fps. To double this frame rate while enhancing resolution, he overhauled every aspect of his equipment. This extensive upgrade included improvements to motors, hardware, oscilloscope settings, signaling, recording software, and processing software. The result is a video that, while only one pixel by one pixel, is repeated multiple times to create a full rendering of the laser beam’s journey.

Haidet’s innovative setup allows viewers to observe a fascinating effect: the laser appears to travel faster when moving towards the camera than when it recedes. This phenomenon is not a trick of the eye but rather an artifact of the experimental setup. Light reflecting off fog particles closer to the camera reaches the sensor sooner than light bouncing off particles further away. In essence, Haidet has visualized the principles of special relativity right from his garage.

For those intrigued by the details of this experiment, Haidet provides additional content that delves deeper into the technology and science behind his work. His achievements exemplify the intersection of creativity and technical prowess, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in high-speed photography.

This latest project not only showcases Haidet’s skill but also highlights the potential for future research and experimentation in visualizing complex scientific concepts. As technology continues to advance, the ability to capture and analyze phenomena at such high speeds opens up new avenues for understanding the dynamics of light and motion.