Photonics Spectra - March 2009

Before “Lazybrains”

I only just read Laura S. Marshall’s “ Peregrinations” feature in the October issue of Photonics Spectra about the brain-activity game (“ ‘Lazybrains’: a real mental workout”).

I think it appropriate to note that this general idea, of a brain-activated game, is far from new. Our neighboring company across the parking lot displayed a similar game, called “BrainBall,” probably five years ago. Although based on electronic monitoring of alpha waves, rather than on optoelectronic monitoring of blood flow, the end result seems to have been remarkably similar. I also might note that Dr. Dick Moberg, the principal of Moberg Research Inc., where we played this game, has been active for many years in the Philadelphia biomedical research community, possibly including Drexel University. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, adjacent to Drexel, lives in the same area and is a former adjunct professor of biotechnology. It seems quite possible that the Drexel people mentioned in your article, Jordan Santell and Paul Diefenbach, may have had contact with Dr. Moberg over the years. I cannot help wondering if they owe more of a debt to previous work than was reported in the article.

According to the link on Dr. Moberg’s Web site ( http://www.mobergresearch. com/ brainball.html), “BrainBall” was invented in Sweden at the Interactive Institute and “has been the subject of several scientific research projects dealing with the interaction of humans and machines. Under the leadership of Magnus Jonsson, the first table was built in 1999 and subsequently shown at the Hanover Expo in 2000 and at Medica in Düsseldorf the same year. Research and developments continue at the Interactive Institute.”

Laurence N. Wesson

Aurora Optics Inc.

Broad Axe, Pa.

The Editor Responds: Space constraints prevented us from reporting on older, nonphotonic games that set the stage for a game like “Lazybrains,” so thank you for sharing this interesting bit of history.

Laura S. Marshall Features Editor

New covers win convert After years of oblique, abstract, look-alike covers (a signature style for sure, but one

I was never too fond of), first the new cover/interior design and then the chances you’re taking with the covers – all laudable signs of progress.

Gene Marino

Andor Technology South Windsor, Conn.

Wishes come true

I’m delighted to inform you that your wish has been granted (“Things I Want to See,” page 20, January issue, “Snow Be Gone”).

My company provides exactly these kinds of sensors and systems. They often are used to monitor roadway surfaces and runways at airports. We can predict freezing and icy conditions before they happen, and we can definitely measure them when they actually happen.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to provide the “driveway heating” on your own.

Jim Tennermann Vaisala Instruments

Woburn, Mass.

Banning the bulb

I read with interest your article (p. 106, January issue) on what seems to be a global, headlong rush to ban the incandescent bulb. Some of the write-ups I have seen on this subject include the downside of compact fluorescents: mercury vapor. There are some rather extensive guidelines published and proposed that should/must be followed when one of these breaks. (Do not vacuum the remnants, air out the room for hours, use a sealed bag, wear a mask.)

You might have included some of these warnings and cautionary notices. Are we curtailing one demon and replacing it with a more dangerous and sinister one?

Ray Turcotte Computer Optics Inc.

Hudson, N.H.

Reducing lighting energy
consumption

I’m responding to the sidebar “Banning the bulb” on page 106 of the January issue of Photonics Spectra.

It is gratifying that some countries are banning the incandescent bulb and promoting the substitution of LEDs and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). I know of no environmental damage from LEDs, but CFLs contain mercury, and there is no guarantee that safe disposal sites will be offered or that users will conscientiously comply.