Help please, do i have a faulty laser ?

I'm new to lasers and have recently bought a supposed to be 100mw green laser, although very impressed with its power and range, it makes a strange patten on flat light surfaces from close range ,i have attached a photo that was taken from around 5 feet ,could some kind person with knowlage please give there opinion because i'm not sure if some of its beams strength is being wasted, thank you .

Looks like a poor quality lens.

That looks like a dirty lens. I have to blow the lint out of mine occasionally. I used that dusting gas stuff in a can.

Mike

A case of dirty optics, most likely the lens. Unscrew the cap, use a dust blower (the fat, rubber things that you use to clean the camera lens) to remove any dust and gently wipe the lens with clean, cotton cloth. Don't apply too much pressure, as it will remove whatever protective coating that might be on the lens, and will scratch the lens to the point where the distortion will become permanent. Check the lens (do not power on the laser) to see if there are any more smudges left, and carefully wipe again if so. Without putting the cap on, point your laser at a wall and power it on to see if you still see any distortions. If you don't see any, then put the cap back on. If you do, repeat the steps above.

After the cleaning, I suggest you to improvise a lid to keep anything from going into the hole. I used electrical tape to create one, and it works like a charm. It also helps if you put a transparent piece of plastic inside the cap itself.

I agree with the gentleman above, however I have also encountered a similar issue after the laser was in the cold and condensation had reached the inside. Not only have I seen this on the optics, but the effect of moisture can blur the output of the crystal. Mind you I cant remember if the blur on the crystal was translated through the lens, but being winter, cold outdoors and a warm humidified indoors can play unwelcome tricks on you.

Benny_Hill said:

I agree with the gentleman above, however I have also encountered a similar issue after the laser was in the cold and condensation had reached the inside. Not only have I seen this on the optics, but the effect of moisture can blur the output of the crystal. Mind you I cant remember if the blur on the crystal was translated through the lens, but being winter, cold outdoors and a warm humidified indoors can play unwelcome tricks on you.

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I had this issue once also.. Ended up taking the batteries out and warming up my toaster oven then letting it cool a little and put my laser in it over night.. The dry warm air fixed it.

Thanks to everyone who reply'd ill get a cleaning cloth and try that 1st, thanks again for taking the time to reply.

What laser is it?

lol, a toaster, sounds risky