daguin
0
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
- Messages
- 15,989
- Points
- 113
The question comes up fairly regularly asking how one can estimate the output (mW) of a laser based on comparing it to other lasers or by what it can burn
Unfortunately, what it "looks like" to you (or anyone else) or how well it burns something is almost meaningless
How may mW would you estimate this laser to be
How about this one?
No -- wait. It's a trick question. They are both the same laser
Wider beams "look" brighter
Thinner beams burn better
A focusable laser burns better than one that is focused to "infinity"
Beams appear brighter if there is a lot of moisture (humidity) or "smoke" or dust in the air
The "steadiness" of your hand and the color of the target greatly affect burning
One CANNOT "estimate" the output of as laser by visual ques or how it burns stuff
How powerful is the laser lighting this match?
How about 35mW?
That video is in real time
The match ignites almost instantly
Get the laser measured by an LPM
It is the ONLY way to be able to say what the output is
Peace,
dave
Unfortunately, what it "looks like" to you (or anyone else) or how well it burns something is almost meaningless
How may mW would you estimate this laser to be
![nova2.jpg](http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/imdguin/nova2.jpg)
How about this one?
![nova3.jpg](http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/imdguin/nova3.jpg)
No -- wait. It's a trick question. They are both the same laser
Wider beams "look" brighter
Thinner beams burn better
A focusable laser burns better than one that is focused to "infinity"
Beams appear brighter if there is a lot of moisture (humidity) or "smoke" or dust in the air
The "steadiness" of your hand and the color of the target greatly affect burning
One CANNOT "estimate" the output of as laser by visual ques or how it burns stuff
How powerful is the laser lighting this match?
How about 35mW?
That video is in real time
The match ignites almost instantly
Get the laser measured by an LPM
It is the ONLY way to be able to say what the output is
Peace,
dave
Last edited: