Underwater Lights
In 1893, the same year the world’s first underwater camera was built, Louis Boutan began to experiment with underwater lighting systems. He had little choice as photographs back then required more light than was naturally available underwater. Like many first-time experiments, he was left disappointed. Until this point, flash photography required oxygen and typically burning magnesium or a mixture thereof. Boutan recruited electrical engineer M. Chaffour to create a bulb that would serve as a housing for a magnesium ribbon. The reservoir was then filled with oxygen and the ribbon was lit using electricity. Unfortunately, the magnesium smoke coated the inside of the bulb and dimmed the lighting, not to mention the danger involved, as the bulbs frequently exploded! We have come along way since those days, with an array of strobes, video lights, torches, and headlamps, to illuminate any subaquatic pursuit.
For the rest of this article and other stories, check out our latest Scuba Diver No. 116 Issue 3/2019 here or download a digital copy here.
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