I was applications engineer at Spectra-Physics at 22 years old. Thats me on the left. (Afros were big back then). I had been working with lasers since 1975 and had a degree in lasers and electo optics at this point. I was honored to be working on scientific laser systems (pico second & ring dye) that would not become public for another 5 years. I played with laser light shows in my spare time. I still love the light.
This was my first laser light show projector 3/4" 2'x3' plywood box with a solid 1" allum. plate for mechanics. (all hand made & drilled) Zoom in and note the aperature flaps with warning labels! This thing weighed a TON!
Two 50 mw air cooled argon lasers, 3-10 mw hene lasers, two full color three motor effects, ledex rotary solenoids to switch beam positions and to 4 different "bumpy glass" effects wheels mounted on clock motors. All manual control with switches and knobs.
There were galvos, but I couldnt afford them, no digital cameras, no diode lasers, (not even red pointers) limited internet & PC's were very expensive if you could get one. A AO modulator was just being developed.
DAMN I FEEL OLD...Thank you for letting me share! I think what you guys are doing now is absolutely amazing.