Laser as Headlight... From BMW

[planters]

I'm not familiar with Steve's predictions; could you link to these? I'm not sure we should be too pessimistic yet. GaN has proven very robust as a semiconductor and the per unit cost to produce the existing diodes is low. While I would agree that as a direct beam generator as opposed to a pump source there is no market and hence no profit to improve these lasers (look at SORA's stagnation), nevertheless the current $40 diodes are very impressive. Energy density on the phosphor is controllable as with the Casios, however I agree that the development of new blue sources will emphasize power over beam quality. In the near term, BMW will likely ride on existing diodes or something similar and like the projector industry will incorporate higher power and larger die lasers as they become available, rather than jump to vescel's. For now, another source of diodes would be nice.

[gottaluvlasers]

OK-

Who's gonna be the first to go out and buy a BMW to harvest these Laser(s) out of??

and-

I hope it means that in the near future, laser shows will go back to the people who are willing to invest knowledge and budget into them.

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!

"Hi, ct lasers...i need a good laser projector. I have a budget of $1500-$2000. Can you help me!???!"

CT Lasers- "NO!!....Call Toys R Us. Or call Dragon Panda General Tsos Laser stars manufacturing!"

MAN do i miss the days when Laser shows and equipment was actually meant for people with a passion for the art. And not for mass produced balloon popping dingbats looking for blinkie twinkies!!

-Marc

[planters]

Marc,
On your first point, I assume we would just order a replacement headlight. Or, ask someone we know who owns a BMW to order one. Also, like with the HID headlights that are so popular on higher end cars these will begin to pop up all over. The question is when.

[flecom]

"Hi, ct lasers...i need a good laser projector. I have a budget of $1500-$2000. Can you help me!???!"

I wish you could hit people through the phone... can't tell you how many times I have heard that

dont forget it needs to be varianced, and oh ya, the club opens this friday! *facepalm*