Laser vibration analysis is a diagnostical method employed by industry to prevent catastrophic failure of critical equipment.
It works by using laser technology to pinpoint potential mishap, and is popular for saving time and money by being easier to deploy and operate with quick turn-around times and unrivalled accuracy.
In addition to doing away with the costly time-consuming methods of trouble-shooting traditionally practiced, this new method has proven to be especially helpful in hard-to-reach areas of a machine, such as its bearings.
But a much more interesting kind of laser vibration analysis was on display not too long ago for helping to finally bring to justice the most wanted man of the decade, Al Queda chief Osama bin Laden. The initial break-through came about through good old-fashioned intelligence work of the humint, or “human intelligence,” variety but the final determination of the identity of Osama bin Laden was helped along greatly by the use of lasers.
Specifically, laser beams as focused on window panes of the compound where a mysterious recluse was living.
The sprawling compound in Abottabad, an affluent garrison town not far from Pakistan’s capital city, had already achieved a bit of local fame for being custom built by a pair of reclusive brothers that lived there with their families. What American agents on the ground were able to discover, through the use of a kind of laser vibration analysis, was that one inhabitant never went outdoors, not even to the spacious courtyards afforded a good measure of privacy by walls over twice the height of a man. Several months were spent staking out the location and not once did this person step outside. Never.
This was clearly someone who wanted to hide!
By measuring the soundwaves vibrating off the window panes, as recorded by a laser shone on them, American intelligence came to believe that this mysterious figure had to be none other than Osama bin Laden himself, for who else would have cause to go to such tortuous lengths for purposes of concealment?
Indeed, who else but the austere mastermind himself would have the discipline necessary to remain a prisoner by choice?