This document discusses the history and development of coherent light from projectors to fiber optics. It covers early projectors that used carbon arc lamps and xenon short-arc lamps to project films. It then discusses how researchers pioneered the use of glass fibers to transmit light signals, leading to applications in optical communications. The document also references technologies like digital micromirror devices and their use in modern projectors and displays.

1. Coherent Light
from Projectors to Fibre Optics
Sean Cubitt
Screen Studies Conference
University of Glasgow, 1-3 July 2011

2. This paper is dedicated to
Brian O'Brien, lead scientist at
American Optical, pioneers of
glass fibres, who was distracted
from optical communications
by a joint venture in
Hollywood, perfecting Todd-
AO.

4. 15KW Xenon short-arc lamp

5. Simplex X-L 35mm projectors each lit by Carbon Arc lamp

6. Diagram of a mirror-lens condenser used in motion-picture projection: (S)
light source (electric arc), (M) parabolic mirror, (L) lens, (G) film gate

7. coma chromatic aberration

8. 200-mm f/2 Canon lens with 17 ele-
ments in 12 groups; Canon Spring
2008 EOS System catalog
LEFT: 4-element compound lens fro abandoned
rear-projection TV c. 1996

10. Stan Brakhage, frames from Song XII, 1965

11. DMD Digital Micromirror device

16. RIGHT: Daniel Coladon’s light fountain demenostrating toal internal reflection; as used (above) in con-
temporary light fountains

18. schematic for confocal fibre optics