Hi from another n00b

Hi all

I am just taking my first steps into the world of lasers and so far have only bought a diode (808nm 2W IR) but before I bought anything that will make it work I want to get the safety side right first :undecided:

From reading around I now know that reflected light are almost as dangerous long term as the beam is short term especially as I can't see the light from the diode I bought.

My end goal is to create a burning laser mounted in a frame controlled by a PC, The programming side I will be ok with and even the soldering I am ok with its just the myriad world of lasers now.

So expect to see loads of very simple questions from me in the near future ...

Welcome Meldon to LPF! :beer:

Don't worry about asking many questions, every member is here to help you and make sure all your questions to create your laser are answered!

Welcome to LPF, Meldon! Best of luck in building all of your future death rays! :beer:

right then first question.

I have been looking around the forum and looking at on line stores to decide on the right glasses.

As I mentioned I have a 808nm diode so any glasses that cover the IR spectrum of 700-1100 should be fine but the next question involves power vs OD rating …

So reading up on OD ratings, I believe an OD rating is what calcutes the power that will get through after the filter.

so an example, my 2W diode vs OD6 pair of glasses would allow 2 micro Watts of power through.

Is this correct or have I completely got the wrong end of the stick?