I need advise and help. I'm 15 and I would like to understand lasers better. Thanks.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Yeah, First off i go to a private school with some great physics teachers. Second, I was not honestly think about taking a 50-100mw laser to school. That would be stupid... I was just slightly curious if it was legal. I for one am all for lasers. My dads a shop teacher... Hes seen people get there eyes knocked out of there heads from tools. So a working pair of glasses of the right color is the first thing i would get if i got for instances a 100mw laser. And i would make sure to keep it off and not let anyone stupid get near it. I'm mostly curious on how the different wavelengths and powers of laser work. Because, I really want to get one for Christmas. I still think it would be cool to get a laser that would burn stuff light match heads. Etc,... But, If i do i want to do it right and safe. This laser is the best purple laser I've found so far. Its a class IIIb 405nm 10mW Violet laser pen/Focusable/Silver chrome [OL-405-10] - $10.50 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce Its only ten mw. But that is still a class IIIb. According to Wikepedia-

Class IIIb

Lasers in this class may cause damage if the beam enters the eye directly. This generally applies to lasers powered from 5–200 mW. Lasers in this category can cause permanent eye damage with exposures of 1/100th of a second or less depending on the strength of the laser. A diffuse reflection is generally not hazardous but specular reflections can be just as dangerous as direct exposures. Protective eye wear is recommended when direct beam viewing of Class IIIb lasers may occur. Lasers at the high power end of this class may also present a fire hazard and can lightly burn skin. Many laser pointers at this output level are now available in this category.

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So My laser could hurt someone or something if i get it. But, there is a relatively low chance if i don't point it at anyone and just use it with some common sense. I think its a pretty cool thing to get if i'm wrong on any of this please correct me. Also if i were to get a 50mw or bigger laser (and some glasses). That would burn stuff. But, would you guys recommend it. Thanks for answering all my questions.

sopark4000 said:

I 100% DID NOT say it's OK for you to have at school.

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Yes, But if its not illegal or against the rules then i could have it at school

I promise I'm not planning on taking any high-lasers to school without permission. I was just curious whether or not its illegal or if i could.

Be mindful of your well-being when using laser devices; laser safety only works when precautions are utilized.
I fully plan on practicing this advise as best as a I can. That's why i want to learn more. I think that laser.

I'm 15 years old and I'm a freshman i high school. (No, I don't know it all... YET. lol)

Things said:

Age isn't the only factor, it's your maturity, you need to know yourself if you're capable of handling high power lasers. I started with lasers when I was 13, even joined this forum at 13, but being the nerd I am, I quickly learnt the dangers of lasers.

Back then though, the only way you could get a high power laser for a reasonable price was to build one yourself with a 16x 660nm diode. 405, 445, 635 and 640nm diodes didn't exist commercially even 5 years ago

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That is exactly me. I walk around at school with a periodic table and a bible. I like chem and i know html and I'm learning c++. I try to be a geek. (I'm proud of it.) I'm pretty sure i can handle this. My first laser is probably gonna be ≤50 mw. SO, Back to laser choices. For under 75 bucks, What laser would you guys recommend; or would you recommend that i build my own laser I'm pretty good at soldering and my dad teaches electronics at north high... So we could also build a laser together. Thanks a lot. Also my dad is in on this. If he thinks its too unsafe... I'm not gonna get a laser over 1mw.

Edit**: If you look at my first post to now... Look at how much i have learned. Thanks for the help, and thanks for teaching me all this.
Also what laser company's sell good legit lasers. (A link to a thread would be fine.)
I already looked at:
o-like.com
laserglow.com

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Some other companies to take a look at, imo better than o-like.

Optotronics, Jetlasers, Skylasers (laserbtb), and Lazerer.

Also the pen you are linking to from o-like is most likely far over 10mW. Problem is 405nm is right on the edge of our ability to see, it's almost ultraviolet. As such even 100mW appears very dim, comparable to say 5mW of green. The diode used in that pen usually ends up producing anywhere between 30mW and 150mW, though usually in the 40-80 range. So please do be very careful with it, and if you are truly looking for a "cool" laser to have some fun with, consider a green laser under 50mW instead.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Ok, I will and yes i really am looking for a "cool" laser to play with. Why green over a purple laser of the same mw... Thx. What are some of the things you can do with a laser.

What about this laser http://lazerer.com/lzcs-classic-532nm-30mw-focusable-green-laser-pointer.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

The uses for lasers is just about endless and would take too long to list everything I have done with mine XD

The laser you linked to is a good choice. Its from a highly reputable company and the output would give a visible midair beam. The guy that runs Lazerer is named Max and he is a really good guy who will take care of you if anything were to go wrong.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Intresting... Yah, Well i have Christmas to decide if this is what i want and if i want to get into this i might go the next higher power up... anyone have some recommendations [for glasses] for those two lasers. the violet one and the green one.

Does anyone have a good laser ≤100mw (green, yellow, purple) they would be willing to sell me (not scam me).

Thanx

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

I can guarantee you won't find a yellow one for less than $300 unless the price goes down or if you buy it used on the forums, I just got my first yellow after 2+ years here for more than most people are willing to spend. But to answer, none of mine are for sale.

As for goggles, you want glasses that block 405nm and 532nm (as well as 808nm IR and 1064nm IR, in case of IR leaking), so this pair should fit the bill. The price may be close to $50, but what's cheaper, a $50 pair of glasses or good vision for the rest of your life?

It's best to work your way up in power, I started with a cheap vending machine red laser, eventually got a 532nm when they were still $100+ for 5mW, and gradually worked up in power from there. I know you said you won't bring them to school, but please don't. I admit I am a hypocrite with this, however I only have as a demonstration to my chemistry teacher. Yellow lasers aren't impossible...

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

planecool said:

Ok, I will and yes i really am looking for a "cool" laser to play with. Why green over a purple laser of the same mw... Thx. What are some of the things you can do with a laser.

What about this laser LZCS - Classic 532nm 30mW Focusable Green Laser Pointer.

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Green lasers have a wavelength of 532nm while violet lasers are 405nm. The peak sensitivity of the human eye is at 555nm that is why green lasers are a lot brighter than any other color mW per mW.

If you decide to get one on or before Christams I suggest buying from someone here on LPF as shipping from China is very slow plus holiday seasons make it even slower.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Ok, I want to get one from someone here and i also want to get a pair of glasses. if anyone here is willing ot sell me a yellow laser of any power for 75 bucks. I'll take it. (if i find money) that would be an amazing Christmas present. I'm also looking for a purple or green laser. Offers would be really appreciated. Thanks a lot guys. This is a lot of great information.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

planecool said:

...if anyone here is willing to sell me a yellow laser of any power for 75 bucks. I'll take it...

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So would anyone else, you'd be lucky if you find one for $250.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

No, you can't get a yellow laser for $75. A greenie is a good starting laser, IMO.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Honestly I think your best bet is that Lazerer 30mW 532nm(green). It really would make a good starter laser and its price is good and its not a tiny wimp of a laser either. If you get that one go with the 18650 battery and a charger(addons on the page for the laser) and you will have a full rig that is ready to go.

Or, you can bump up to the 50mW laser and add a battery and charger to it for $5.

For those lasers this pair of goggles should suit you just fine. Or you can go with the eagle pair from Survival Laser and pretty much never have to upgrade goggles until you need some for a different wavelength (like a 650nm red laser),

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Age is not an indicator of maturity.

That being said, since you mentioned a yellow laser...


No offense intended. :crackup:

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

I swear to god that damn video is exactly what I read on at least 5 threads every day...

Noobs need to meet my 2.7W 445nm :lasergun:
(Yes the laser gun is green... pretend its blue)

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

I think judging his maturity by his age isn't fair. I mean, he did find this forum and shows some very basic knowledge of lasers.. That means he at least took his time to do some research, which is something even most adults won't.

I'll have to agree with not taking it to school, if you think about it many of your classmates are probably dumbasses and they *will* want to hold your laser. If you let them there's a very high chance that someone will get hurt. Even if you don't they might take it by force, who knows.

Now back to topic:
For laser visibility I'd go with a green laser up to 100mW. Lazerer is a good source if you're willing to pay more for the quality. Ebay should be fine as well, these are much cheaper and will also have a visible beam.
TBH it makes no sense to use goggles for beam viewing as they'll block the beam. Most cheap goggles for green lasers don't block IR - either go with the Eagle Pairs linked above or don't use them at all. Don't look at the dot upclose and don't try to burn anything without good goggles and make sure you only point at matte surfaces.

Green lasers aren't very good for burning. Red should be fine and violet is usually best. Make sure the laser has adjustable focus. I'd stay between 100mW and 200mW. These you should get from Lazerer or another good store since there's no easy way to know if the lasers from Ebay or other cheap sources will be able to burn without testing them one by one. You *must* get appropriate goggles for burning - Eagle Pairs are the best option.

Edit: a nice bonus on 405nm lasers is their ability to fluoresce things and draw on GITD surfaces. They also have a nice "spooky" look because our eyes have a hard time focusing on their color.

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

Atomicrox said:

I think judging his maturity by his age isn't fair. I mean, he did find this forum and shows some very basic knowledge of lasers.. That means he at least took his time to do some research, which is something even most adults won't.

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Thanks a lot. I'm trying to figure out what I'm getting into here. And I did do a lot of research. After all i have a computer... They have a heck of a lot of information on lasers and i plan on using a lot of it.

I'm almost 16... So, Yah I'm a little young. BUT, Young does not always= Idiot.

Atomicrox said:

I'll have to agree with not taking it to school, if you think about it many of your classmates are probably dumbasses and they *will* want to hold your laser. If you let them there's a very high chance that someone will get hurt. Even if you don't they might take it by force, who knows.

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There's no way anyone in my class would take a laser from me by force! And if they did... Well... Yeah, It would not happen. I did some talking with a chem teacher at my school. He said" Depending on the power of the laser... You probably can't bring it to school." So unless its less then a 5mw. There's o way I'm gonna bring it to school.

I also did some reading up on wavelengths. (correct me on any of this if I'm wrong...) The human eye is most sensitive to light with the wavelength of 555.

Yellow light has a wavelength of about 570 nm. ( it is way too expensive though.) One day...
Green light has a wavelength of about 510 nm.

So that would make some yellow laser to appear brighter the a green laser. But there too expensive. That means the best laser for me is a green laser. It can't be too power full; because i can't afford it. Nor do i need it.

I have enough money for this laser. Its also really powerful (100mw) and from a good company (lazerer)

LZGN - Grenade 532nm 100mW Focusable Green Laser Pointer

or

LZSK - Stick 532nm 50mW Focusable Green Laser Pointer

Those both are pretty cool laser and i can afford to get some extra batteries and some goggles.

For my maturity. I can handle it. I have been thinking about getting a laser for a long time. And I'll be really careful. Hence I'm figuring out what I'm getting into.
Any more laser recommendations for 50-75 bucks are gladly accepted.


One more thing an inferred laser would be the best for burning if low power targeting laser. Right... Just an idea.

-Danny Tuchscherer
Thanks

Re: advise and help. im 15 and need to understand high powered lasers. Thx

planecool said:

There's no way anyone in my class would take a laser from me by force! And if they did... Well... Yeah, It would not happen. I did some talking with a chem teacher at my school. He said" Depending on the power of the laser... You probably can't bring it to school." So unless its less then a 5mw. There's o way I'm gonna bring it to school.

I also did some reading up on wavelengths. (correct me on any of this if I'm wrong...) The human eye is most sensitive to light with the wavelength of 555.

Yellow light has a wavelength of about 570 nm.
Green light has a wavelength of about 510 nm.

So that would make some yellow laser to appear brighter the a green laser. But there too expensive. That means the best laser for me is a green laser. It can't be too power full; because i can't afford it. Nor do i need it.

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I'll let somebody else handle some of the safety and recommendations and etc...

You are correct, the human eye is centered at around 555nm (555.068nm more precisely), though saying "green starts here" and "yellow starts here" is all a matter of opinion. 405nm lasers for example, you'll find a ton of people saying it's violet and equally as many saying it's blue. Sometimes it matters what color you've seen more before what is being observed: my 589nm looks orange after looking at green, and yellow after red. Though, it's safe to say you're pretty accurate with those numbers. I usually try to give a ballpark estimate of a color if it's "borderline".

While there are different yellow lasers, I *think* LG's rigel-6 is the cheapest on the market. 577nm lasers exist (for a hefty $3k) and that's going to be lemon yellow. This should help with most brightness questions you may have.

As for the rest, I started when I was 15 as well, working your way up is the best thing to do. I didn't have the option to buy 1W blue lasers when I joined.

After having brought lasers to school, you wouldn't believe how crazy people are for them. I tend to get ones with key interlocks so even if they do get them, they're not smart enough to turn it on.

That said, I would go for the power of the above choice but the key option of your second, I recommend a grenade 50mW and appropriate goggles to start with. If you like it, you can always work up in power or get a new color

Your last part also didn't make much sense... low powered infrared lasers are good for sensors and night vision, high powered ones are extremely dangerous and I refuse to buy one for that reason.

Hope you liked my wall of text :wave: