Innovative Filmmaker Breaks Speed Record with 2 Billion FPS Video

A remarkable achievement in high-speed photography has emerged from the garage of filmmaker Brian Haidet, who recently published a video on his AlphaPhoenix channel showcasing a laser beam recorded at an astonishing 2 billion frames per second. While the final output consists of a one pixel by one pixel video, Haidet cleverly repeats this single frame multiple times to create a full rendering, leading to a fascinating visual experiment.

In December 2022, Haidet had already made headlines by developing a camera capable of capturing video at 1 million frames per second. This latest project required extensive upgrades to his filming apparatus. He completely rebuilt his system, enhancing the motors, hardware, oscilloscope, signal processing, recording software, and the software used for data processing. The result is not only a significant increase in frame rate but also an improved resolution, showcasing Haidet’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Visualizing Special Relativity

One of the most intriguing outcomes of this innovative setup is how light appears to travel faster when it approaches the camera compared to when it moves away. This phenomenon is a result of the experimental configuration: laser beams reflecting off fog particles that are closer to the camera arrive sooner than those bouncing back from further distances. Essentially, this creates a visualization of special relativity in action, demonstrating a complex scientific principle in a surprisingly accessible manner.

Haidet’s project not only showcases technical prowess but also serves as an engaging educational tool. The combination of high-speed imaging and the visualization of scientific concepts captures the imagination and illustrates the potential for creativity in scientific experimentation.

For those interested in delving deeper into the technical aspects of this remarkable project, Haidet has also provided bonus material that offers additional insights. This further exploration allows viewers to appreciate the intricate details behind achieving such a high frame rate and the science of light itself.

In a world increasingly driven by technological advancements, projects like Haidet’s remind us of the fascinating intersection between art and science, illuminating the potential of creative experimentation.