Hi. I have been using a 5mW and a ~30mW green laser to teach astronomy for a while, and have gotten hooked on the lasers themselves. I managed to pop some balloons with my laser (using a magnifying glass), and that got me wanting more. What would be a good quality laser in the 100-150mW range? I can't really pay hundreds of dollars for it, but I also don't want a little cheap thing either. I bought a "50"mW laser from some Chinese company a year ago, and sent it right back because it was dimmer than my 5mW. $200 is my absolute maximum, but I would prefer lower.
I was thinking of the optotronics 100 or 150mW green. Is there a noticeable difference between the brightness/burning power? How bright would the laser dot be?
I know I will need some safety goggles, what kind would you recommend?
Oh, and I am in the USA, so I preferably want something that won't need to be imported and possibly confiscated.
Thanks for any help!
I was thinking of the optotronics 100 or 150mW green. Is there a noticeable difference between the brightness/burning power? How bright would the laser dot be?
I know I will need some safety goggles, what kind would you recommend?
Oh, and I am in the USA, so I preferably want something that won't need to be imported and possibly confiscated.
Thanks for any help!