Laser trap (beam terminator)

I'm having some trouble finding information on this... I've got a 2.4w 445nm laser, and even with proper goggles on, the endpoint of the beam is pretty bright -- I'd like to keep that under control when working on a table with a clamp to secure the laser.

I'd like to build a contraption to capture and absorb the end point of a laser beam. Something like a box with a mirror at a 45 degree angle to the beam, and using that mirror to reflect onto a surface to absorb the beam safely.

I'd prefer to avoid re-inventing the wheel if there's a term for this I'm missing. Otherwise, what might be a good material to safely absorb a high-powered beam?

Thanks guys!

Terms: beam stop, beam dump

Here's a couple of past threads: http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/best-surface-laser-beam-absorption-60290.html, http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/buying-beam-dump-49955-2.html

BTW - It's usually preferred for you to introduce yourself here.

MisterAndy said:

I'm having some trouble finding information on this... I've got a 2.4w 445nm laser, and even with proper goggles on, the endpoint of the beam is pretty bright

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That should not be happening. The goggles you have will NOT suffice in protecting your eyes should a direct-hit accident occur. You need to buy new ones, stat.

Blue laser dot through the goggles has no business being brighter than this:



Comparison, good and crappy goggles:

When I use my eagle pair I still get a pretty bright dot, but the dot is yellow and can see no blue at all, end up getting eyestrain pretty quickly :/

3Pig said:

When I use my eagle pair I still get a pretty bright dot, but the dot is yellow and can see no blue at all, end up getting eyestrain pretty quickly :/

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Agree with you there. I don't know why Eagle Pair googles are so popular on this forum they total suck. I have a pair and anything over 1 watt they are useless my eye strain and discomfort is the same with or without the eagles on.

Thanks for the terms and the links -- I'm eager to try anodizing razorblades for a beam dump. I would imagine that'd make for quite the little rig!

Also, the goggles I have right now are fairly cheap, and somewhere between the two pictures you linked, Eudaimonium. I just purchased two pair of Eagle Pair goggles and it's a little concerning to hear the feedback there, but I suppose we'll see!

If they're not good enough, I'll track something else down. Gotta protect those peepers.

I'll post in the newcomers thread soon -- Forgot to do so when I signed up, and then got caught up in this question. Thanks for the reminder!

You have bad eagle pair glasses then. Mine look identical to the first two posted, dont see the multimode bar at all, its a square/dot.

They are so popular because they are the cheapest pair you can get that do a good job at protecting your eyes. No one ever said they were the best and when asked for the best we all say certified glasses like those of thor labs.......what would you rather; uvex crap or eagle pair......there isnt even a debate

Edit: and ive used them with a 3.2W so I know they are good

I need to clarify something. My discomfort with my Eagle Pair googles only happens when I burn something up close, the dot is to much for me. General use Eagle googles are just fine I would say. I shouldn't of said they suck.