A Phase-Coherent Paradigm for Audio-Laser Synthesis

Mike Cassidy; Kristian North

A Phase-Coherent Paradigm for Audio-Laser Synthesis
Image credit: Mike Cassidy; Kristian North

Abstract:

Audio–laser synthesis—where the same signals driving laser beam trajectory are simultaneously sonified—poses a distinct instrument design challenge: developing a unified signal architecture that encodes sound, motion, and colour without reducing the expressive range available to each modality. These requirements are well-suited to modular synthesis approaches, but scaling such systems beyond exploratory patches requires architectural principles for sustaining temporal stability across domains. This paper presents a paradigm for audio–laser synthesis that maintains phase coherence throughout complex modular graphs. By establishing phase as a shared temporal reference for organising sonic, geometric, and colour domains, this paradigm enables systems to reliably scale in both size and complexity. We demonstrate this approach through [Anonymous], a VCV Rack plugin suite that extends audio-laser synthesis practice towards parity with contemporary modular synthesis. Through architectural description and performance-based validation, this work establishes design principles for modular audio-laser systems.