PURPOSE: To show Lissajous figures created by music to form a laser show.

DESCRIPTION: A front-surface mirror is suspended in front of the center of a large loudspeaker in an orthogonal suspension. A laser beam bounces off the mirror onto a nearby white screen, creating varying Lissajous patterns as the music plays. This suspension encourages the mirror to move with two basically orthogonal oscillations, combining to form Lissajous figures, as seen below.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA 3A80.41)

EQUIPMENT: Audio cart, mirror with mount (stored with audio cart), laser, and audiocassette.

SETUP TIME: 5 min.