• Question: Are lasers used to send images on to computers and televisions?

    Asked by powerof10 to Mike, Pip, Tianfu, Tim, Tom on 2 Jul 2012.
    • Photo: Tim Stephens

      Tim Stephens answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      Yes! They’re used to send signals through optical fibres, so all long-distance computer networks (like the one that brings broadband internet to your home or school) use lasers.

      They aren’t yet used to project pictures on a TV or Computer screen, but I have seen someone demonstrate a miniature video projector that used scanning laser beams to make the pictures.

    • Photo: Philippa Bird

      Philippa Bird answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      Cool, I didn’t know that. Good question, powerof10.

    • Photo: Tom Lister

      Tom Lister answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      Good answer Tim.

      I would have said no, because they aren’t used in the actual screen, but then perhaps I’m not as clever.

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