Most laser projectors are used for entertainment purposes and are often custom designed depending on the effect that is required. While laser projectors are most commonly used in light shows they can also be used in decorative home lamps, and have recently been included as features in mobile phones and PDA’s. Laser projectors are also used heavily in the graphics industry. No matter what the laser projector is used for they all have some of the same basic components to make them function.

Laser
One of the most important components of the laser star projector is the laser itself. In the past the laser most commonly used was a mixed gas laser. These lasers could generate several colors at the same time but were difficult to use. Gas lasers have all but been replaced by solid state lasers, such as the fireball laser projector. Most solid state laser projectors are red, green and occasionally blue.

Blanking Modulator
A blanking modulator is the component of the laser projector responsible for blocking any unwanted laser. Mixed gas lasers usually have this modulator located on th front of the polarized color laser projector output window.

Beam Switcher
The beam switch or effecter is an essential component of any laser projector road show. This mechanism interrupts the laser using a filter so that the beam can be transformed to achieve certain effects.

X-Y Scanner
The X-Y scanner is used to control the direction that the laser beam bounces by moving small mirrors. The mirrors are usually three by five millimeters. It has an X axis to determine its horizontal angle and a y axis to determine the vertical angle. Mirrors and mirror mounts should be included with the scanner as well as a positioning mount for the scanner itself. This mount is responsible for securing the mirrors at right angles from each other. The scanner also can determine the speed of the laser and is vital in laser shows. The two most popular companies that manufacture these types of scanners are GSI Lumonics and Cambridge technology.

Scanner Amp
An amp is a type of circuit board that is attached to the scanner by cables and is used to enhance the computer’s laser control signals.

Other Components
Some other components that are essential to a laser projector are a power supply, a show controller or remote, and a cooling system. Most laser projectors also require beam tables, lumia special effects devices, and intensity device to control the color of the laser beam.