The Kaye Effect and Laser Fountains

"Leaping Shampoo"

A remarkable case of science that's fun for a non-scientist. You've probably never heard of the Kaye effect, but you may have seen it: a thin, short-lived fountain shooting up from the spot where a narrow stream of fluid hits something solid.

This video shows the Kaye effect in action, at normal speed and slow motion: and discusses a mathematical model of the effect, with the experiment to test the model.

And, a demonstration of how the little fountains can be used as light guide for lasers.