Error in the text: 1000mW laser with 532nm wavelength which is green light.

1000nm light is infrared.

  • curbstickle@anarchist.nexusEnglish
    0·
    30 days ago

    I just so happen to be in need of a 1W, 532nm laser pointer!

    Are the cheapies (under $100) useful laser pointers, or are the more expensive ones a better choice for a productive use of the laser pointer? Links welcome!

    • BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      30 days ago

      Suitable applications of 1w lasers

      • light engraving
      • ultra light cutting
      • mischief and miscellaneous shenanigans
      • medical (I guess it’s in the range for tattoo removal, but power rating for these lasers are stated weirdly)
      • fiber optic communications

      Tasks 1w lasers are unsuitable for

      • any kind of pointing, besides cases where you wish to permanently damage your audience.

      As I recall the cheap lasers have an issue with the quality of their wavelength. Both in contamination and precision. Which leads glasses not being effective.

    • Tiresia@slrpnk.netEnglish
      0·
      30 days ago

      If you want to use these in an uncontrolled environment, definitely get the appropriate laser safety glasses (such as these) as well, and have anyone you don’t want to blind who are anywhere nearby or in line of sight close their eyes. Even the scattered reflection off glass or the metal of a camera mount can burn people’s retinas permanently, and depending on the surfaces it could scatter a few times and still have enough power to cause damage.

      This means if a target is near a highway, you could blind passing motorists. If it’s near buildings, you could blind people peeking from windows.

      Treat a 1W laser like a power tool. Amateurs can learn to use them safely, but you want to learn from guides rather than from mistakes.