New print technology: Laser Burning

The idea is simple:

The paper feeder moves the paper pixel line by pixel line while a DLP-mirror redirects a laser beam burning the upper molecular layers of the paper to black pixel colum by pixel column. That concept needs only low power (USB-Power or Power-over-Ethernet) and does not have any consumables except standard copy-paper. That way even 9600 dpi grey printing is possible.

The driver needs an option to control the laser power (like burning strategies for CDs/DVDs, but for paper). If the technologies proves to work and spreads paper manufacturers may even print the necessary laser intensity on their paper boxes. ;)

Alternatively to DLPs the laser diode itself may be moved/turned (mass of diode, cable system?).

Advantage: No ink or toner costs, low power consumption, small, lightweight, precise laser-quality printing

Drawbacks: Experiments with laser power (watch your eyes!), only black & white possible, smell?

Additionally, a jet system can spray simple transparent gloss paint from the DIY market to protect the print.

For first tests the pen of a plotter can be replaced by a laser diode. That plotter can even be used to exposure PCBs very precisely. Next step may be to replace the print head of a ink printer with laser diodes on a printed circuit board.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dlp1.htm