Can I change colours with this?

Hi, I'm new to lasers and want to get into it a little. This forum is quite extensive as are the lasers discussed. So there is quite a lot to take in.

I primaraly want a laser capable of burning so I have ordered one of these-http://cgi.ebay.com.au/High-Power-Laser-Module-260-mw-Cutting-Burning_W0QQitemZ180446582143QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a0374557f

I can picture some of you maybe rolling your eyes but anyway... I bought it cause it seemed cheap, it has a host/heatsink, laser, module and driver circut.I don't know if the one I have ordered is well known but I want to know a few things about it.

1-I need to get some glasses but haven't really looked into it so I don't know what I need.

2-It says adjustable lens, can I get different lenses for it if needed (patterned)

3-The driver circut is used in there 450mw version so I assume it is variable, in which case I could use different diodes yeh? Can I change *nm and get a different colour with no other hardware changes?

Your help is appreciated :yh:

I highly recommend a new user stay away from this, and any Infrared lasers! -Glenn

Do you realize that 780nm is INVISIBLE Infra-Red light?

You bought a laser that you cannot see the beam.

And, No. You cannot change the color

Peace,
dave

That just shows my ignorance then

Thanks for the reply anyways.

Please read this stuff, it will really help you out in the end. That laser is dangerous, especially since you cannot see it, it will burn your eyes out without you ever knowing it, if you look into the end of it "hey where is the light" BLAM your eyes are damaged.

I have compiled a list of "must read" information, it will make your time with us more productive and pleasant.

Laser Resources (for n00bs and veterans alike!)

http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html

Sam's Laser FAQ (The Laser Bible)

Sam's Laser FAQ - Preface, Introduction, What is a Laser?, Safety

RP Photonics Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology - an Open Access Resource of In-Depth Information, Free Articles, Nonlinear and Fiber Optics

I have included a handy guide to assist you in finding what you need.

scopeguy20 said:

I highly recommend a new user stay away from this, and any Infrared lasers! -Glenn

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You mean infrared in particular because they cannot be seen?

Thanks photonaholic I'll read a bit more before I post again

don't worry so much about the posting, I'm just worried you'll get hurt.

pinkpanda3310 said:

You mean infrared in particular because they cannot be seen?

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Yes, and also becuase higherpowered IR lasers can be bought for much cheaper than higher powered visible lasers, making them appealing to n00bs

ZRTMWA said:

Yes, and also becuase higherpowered IR lasers can be bought for much cheaper than higher powered visible lasers, making them appealing to n00bs

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Sad state of affairs really... I can just easily imagine an uneducated person looking directly into it, wondering why the heck does this thing not seem to work.

photonaholic said:

don't worry so much about the posting, I'm just worried you'll get hurt.

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I don't want to get hurt either that's why I'm here :bowdown:

ZRTMWA said:

Yes, and also becuase higherpowered IR lasers can be bought for much cheaper than higher powered visible lasers, making them appealing to n00bs

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That seems back to front then :thinking:

Actually, with 780 its a bit more dangerous. With 980 IR, there's some idea of the "threat" - you say to yourself (if you know) "This is an IR laser, I need to be careful when it's powered on - i can't see the beam."

.. The issue is, this is 780nm. It won't be invisible -- it'll look *HARMLESSLY DIM*. You'll see a DULL, FAINT red spot at 260mW/780nm. I've attached an image that gives an example of this, showing the 'relative apparent' brightness (mocked up, of course) from a 635nm 5mW pointer, a 650nm 5mW pointer, and a 780nm 200mW pointer.

I assure you, this 'innocent looking' dull red spot is NOT HARMLESS. The problem with "near IR" is that people will get lulled into a false sense of security seeing the 'dim, weak beam' - when actually it's likely enough to burn skin. They may even point it around at reflective surfaces.

Since you've ordered the laser - telling you that you 'did the wrong thing' isn't going to do as much as letting you know how to be safe around it. It'll be in your house, so it's good to be well equipped.

If you want to experiment with this -- (and I'm glad you came to this forum so people could warn you about this before the laser arrived!) -- get some IR blocking goggles. And get them now. And do not power on the laser until you have the goggles on.

While 780nm is not explicitly listed, these will work. (They list a few common wavelengths on the list. But they are OD3 at 780nm. I have the same ones, and I've tested them with my 780nm.) - (Think of 'OD' factor, Optical Density, as "SPF" for your eyes. Using EasyHaz, 780nm at 0.250w (250mW) - it shows you need an OD factor of 2.4 to be 'safe' from 1 second of exposure. Note, It also says that to be safe from a direct eye exposure to the beam, without goggles, with a divergence of 1.2mRad, you'd have to be 130 meters away! Dangerous stuff.)

808nm Infrared Laser Eyes Protection Glasses/Goggle

$35. If you OWN that laser, you should have those goggles. Period.


I'm not in any way an old timer here. I'm actually pretty new myself. But I've found a lot of useful knowledge here. So, I'd say - this isn't so much about admonishment. It's about safety. So its actually a very good thing that you came to this forum.

aryntha said:

This isn't about admonishment. It's about safety. So its actually a very good thing that you came to this forum.

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excellent post!:yh:

Thanks aryntha. I would look at palming this thing off now I understand where it's all gone wrong but I have bought it knowing it is dangerous mw for a noob. When it arrives I'll inspect the host and see if I can fit a new module. Glass's are #1 priority.

IR is quite a trap for noobs!

Do over

Alright guy's let's pretend I didn't purchase an unsuitable laser for a noob and am asking some questions now. :beer:

I first got interested from a youtube popping balloons etc... I have a look around for lasers and find some cheap yet powerful one's on ebay. I think 'hey if I get a really powerful one I can maybe cut some carbon fibre for my other hobby. I don't want to invest too much so I'll get this one that barely cuts 1mm. I reckon I can make it work with a different colour for coolness and show off to friends and upgrade it to cut up to 2-3mm. There is not much in this thread indicating the seriousness of the item in question (260mw 780nm) http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html Yes, I did read it beforehand. To add to that there is no calculator or link to easyhaz that helps to work out which goggles are needed, only the speculation you will need some.

I don't mean to whine and I much appreciate what you guy's have enlightened me to.

So what would you recomend for a noob? I'm not nesasarily going to go down this line but I may get a new module to fit the one coming. My prefferences would be something from the green to blue (or violet...just not red) side of the spectrum and can be upgraded easily. I also can't find a rule of thumb for 'at what power would goggles be nesasary', would they be needed even for the 5mw lasers? I don't intend looking down the barrel but I'm not a safety freak either.

I'm sorry if these answers are in the faq threads they are just not obvious to me.

My first green laser was a cheap pointer I got for $12, I had a blast with it for weeks.

The green line through the air was impressive, the animals all loved chasing the spot around on the floor, and I ultimately wound up giving it to a friend who was twice as enthralled by it than I was.

Count on spending a small fortune if you really desire a "true blue" laser, they are rare and expensive. Blu Ray lasers are closer to UV and rather hard to see.

Personally I find burning things to be the least important aspect of lasers, yes it's cool, but not the most important.

a 5mw green pointer is an excellent place to start, and goggles are less important with one of those.