Overview
- Brian Haidet (AlphaPhoenix) posted the Oct 17 video showing a laser beam traversing mirrors in his garage, with outlets detailing the build on Oct 21.
- The setup sweeps a gimbal‑mounted mirror across a highly sensitive sensor and uses Python software to tile many one‑pixel recordings into HD frames.
- A photomultiplier tube feeds an oscilloscope sampling at roughly 2 billion samples per second, with a sync‑pulse technique used to cut noise on the signal line.
- The rebuilt system doubles his 2024 one‑billion‑fps attempt through higher‑precision motors and encoders, strengthened optics, and redesigned data‑handling software, contrasting with far costlier lab systems such as Caltech gear used by The Slow Mo Guys.
- Fog or dust makes the beam visible through scattering, and perceived speed changes across the scene reflect geometry and timing rather than any break with physics.