Pumpkin-blasting laser carves jack-o'-lantern

Caitlin Stier, video intern

If you struggle to carve a jack-o'-lantern, you might prefer this high-tech alternative.
Using the blasting power of a carbon dioxide laser cutter, graduate student Dan Schultz from MIT Media Lab accurately cut Medusa's face, designed by his wife, into a pumpkin.

The drawing was first scanned to create a digital version, where different details were assigned different depths. Using a tracing algorithm, coloured layers were then produced for each thickness and details were mapped onto each one. Coordinates were then transmitted to the laser, which moved back and forth over the rotating pumpkin to engrave the image. Greater laser intensity and a slower speed produced a deeper and brighter cut.

The process took three hours to complete, requiring half an hour to engrave each layer. Frequent cleaning was necessary, because vaporised pumpkin quickly built up on the lens

Given his lack of manual dexterity, Schultz was pleased with the result, although it wasn't perfect. Since pumpkins are round rather than cylindrical, the laser beam widens when reaching the edges and distorts details. The engraved face also appeared charred, caused by the beam burning through the fruit, leaving it with a ghoulish look in the daytime.

If you enjoyed this video, check out a Halloween round-up of science and tech shockers or take a look at a gallery of spooky space pictures.

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/19b54ac4/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Cblogs0Cnstv0C20A110C10A0Cpumpkin0Eblasting0Elaser0Ecarves0Ejack0Eo0Elantern0Bhtml0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm

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