I don't know it it's the same, but when the Disney Studios produced 2D animated features during Walt's years there used to be a similar effect made with light and a piece of ripple glass.

That was pretty insane stuff Disney did back then. It makes me wonder if the same effect was used in most of those 70s sfx stuff they did for commercials, bumpers, music videos, cartoons, etc.
Just look at those laser lights.
