Reproducing the Velador Experiment

Home Experiment Goals FAQ Theoretical Thermal Refraction Measuring Thermal Refraction Lateral Beam Deflection Vertical Beam Deflection Measuring Beam Deflection Optimum Beam Section Laser Camera Support Beam Mount Filter Camera & Laser Cells Components Experimental Controls Cell Installation Assembly Photos Calibration Photos Measuring the Images False Signal Simulation Phase 1 Experimental Procedure My First Trial Speculation for Phase 1 Trial 4 Trial 6 Trial 8 Dr. Osadchey's 6-11-07 Trial Trial 9 Trial 10 Trial 11 Trial 12 Trial 13 Trial 14 Trial 15 Trial 16 Conclusions for Phase 1 Trial 18 Trial 21 Trial 22 Trial 23 Trial 24 Dr. Osadchey's 11-5-07 Trial Trial 25 Trial 26 Trial 27 Trial 28 Trial 29 Trial 30 Dr. Osadchey's 12/9/07 Trials Trial 31 Trial 32 Trial 33 Results for Phase 1-B Sidereal Index Links More Links Speculation for Phase 2 Trial 34 Trial 35 Trial 36 Trial 37 Trial 39 Trial 40 Trial 41 Trial 42 Trial 43 Trial 44 Trial 45 Trial 46 Trial 47 Trial 48 Trial 50 Trial 51 Trial 52 Trial 53 Trial 54 Trial 55 Trial 56 Trial 57 Trial 58 Trial 59 Trial 60 (Denham Springs, LA) Trial 63 Trial 64A Trial 65A Trial 65B Custom Rich-Text Page Custom Rich-Text Page

Laser Selection

Laser selection is based entirely on what is available in the workshop at this time: A Scientech model 9411903 laser pen with a red laser diode. Its rated output is 5mW with a wavelength between 630 and 680 nm. The beam intensity should be in excess of 6 times greater than the average intensity of sunlight. Its original purchase price was US $24.

The laser will exhibit some spread of the beam, even over distances as short as 3m. The laser pen aperture is 2 mm in diameter. At a distance of 3m, the laser beam spreads to an oval pattern measuring approximately 2mm x 4mm, which is ringed by a fringe interference pattern. The greatest sensitivity to drift should occur when the short axis of the laser illuminated area is oriented along the long axis of the camera field of view.

The laser should be as lightweight as possible, preferably less than 5% of the support beam weight. The Scientech 9411903 has a mass of less than 100 grams. It uses two AAA 1.5 V batteries in series, with a verified operating time of greater than 16 hours on a single set of batteries. The laser can also be outfitted with wire connections for a universal adapter on 1.5 V or 3 V settings for constant operation in excess of 16 hours.