STROBE

A strobe is a device that emits brief, intense flashes of light at regular intervals. In common usage, the term refers to strobe lights used in entertainment and photography, as well as to stroboscopes used to study motion. The flashing frequency is adjustable, often ranging from a few hertz to several hundred hertz, depending on the application.

In photography and film, a strobe, or strobe light, provides powerful, short-duration illumination that helps freeze fast-moving subjects. Modern studios use electronic flash units or multiple flash heads connected to a power pack. Features commonly include adjustable flash duration, high power output, and synchronization with the camera. Some strobes offer through-the-lens metering, high-speed sync, and a continuously lit modeling light to preview the effect.

For motion analysis, a stroboscope is a device that flashes light at a controllable frequency to illuminate rotating or vibrating objects. When the flash rate approaches the object's motion frequency, the object may appear stationary, oscillating slowly, or moving in reverse, enabling measurement of speed, timing, or behavior. Stroboscopes may use incandescent, xenon, LED, or other light sources and can be handheld or mounted on a stand.

Safety and usage: Strobe lights can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy and may cause disorientation or discomfort for others. Prolonged exposure to bright strobes or high-intensity LED flashes should be avoided, and proper warnings should be provided in venues.