Buying my first 405 nm laser...

parks35 · May 28, 2013

Hello everyone,
I've been looking around for a good violet laser, and I'm not exactly sure what I need o look for in a good violet laser. If any of you guys can give me any pointers about what I should get, the would be wonderful. (I was looking at a 1W focusable laser, but I don't know if it would be good because it had no reviews.)

Thanks,
parks35

scumbagatheist · May 28, 2013

Welcome to the forums. I encourage you to read all of the stickies on the forum.

You will not find a 1W violet laser. They're practically unicorns. You wouldn't believe what it would takes to get there. Plus, it would have a lifespan comparable to that of a fruit fly.

I would be best to attempt to reach a 1/2W...If you're willing to pay for it. You should also realize that 405nm is a very LOW-visibility beam. It's nothing to get excited about, and if you want a burner, a cheaper 445nm diode will burn nicely.

parks35 · May 28, 2013

Thanks for the info. I was originally looking for a 20mW one, but i stumbled apon that laser. I was actually really interested in the focus feature becase of one of my lasers' fucus is a litte iff and it would be nice to be able to adjust the beam. Any good 20mW focusable laser for a decent price?

scumbagatheist · May 28, 2013

20mW is only good for a dot. You would need a stoner's VW to see the beam at that output.

If you want a good 405nm laser, you might check the B/S/T section and purchase something from a member. You'll get a far better laser, even if you pay a premium for it.

It really comes down to what you want it for...

parks35 · May 28, 2013

I was thinking something as strong as my 20mW green..

scumbagatheist · May 28, 2013

green is far more visible to the human eye, as compared to near-UV. A 450mW 405nm will be more dim than a 50mW 532nm green.

parks35 · May 28, 2013

Is there any better option for violet-colored lasers other than 405 nm? I really want one for my collection. I would really like the beam to be visable in at least a dark room/at night.

scumbagatheist · May 28, 2013

Ok...so, I see you don't understand the relationship between color and wavelength. Here you go:

405nm = Near Ultraviolet (violet)
445nm = Blue
450nm = Blue
473nm = Teal
488nm = Turquoise
520nm = Forest Green
532nm = Green (cheap chinese pen lasers)

and then we get into the others...which I don't have the energy for.

Use your search bar at the top.

norbyx · May 28, 2013

parks35 said:
Is there any better option for violet-colored lasers other than 405 nm? I really want one for my collection. I would really like the beam to be visable in at least a dark room/at night.

If you want a visible beam you should look at least at a >350mW in that wavelenght. UV lasers aren't very easy to see, and even though there are other wavelenghts of UV, you wouldn't see them at all or very very dim. The human eye more or less has a vewing spectrum from 400nm to 700-750nm
Now there are people that clearly see over this spectrum. So there is a laser that is 380nm but it is VERY expensive and you might not even see it.

I suggest you what scumbag told you.... strart making some research and than ask....

Good luck

parks35 · May 28, 2013

Does this laser seem any good? 20mW 405nm Power Mid-open Blue-violet Laser Pointer at Laserpointerpro.com

bloompyle · May 28, 2013

Laser pointer Pro isn't where you want to begin your search by far... If you want a cheap 405nm pointer, you could snag one off ebay for <$10 and it'll probably be over spec 30-50mW+.

If you want high power, you could check o-like or Lazerer. If you want custom built, well, they don't show up often, though I plan to build some, although I'm not going to market myself. They show up from time to time, though rarely below 500mW as most build with 12X's for power and max visibility. Depends on what you're looking for really.

Do you want to actually see a beam? 100mW+ A decent looking violet beam? 300mW+
(All depending on how sensitive your eyes are to this WL of course)

Do you want a decent burner? 8X-12X

Do you just want a cool pen that activates GITD material? Grab any pen on ebay and lase away.

Leodahsan · May 29, 2013

Beware. Usually people don't know what a high powered laser is capable of.
Start with lower power ones. You will need laser safety goggles if you plan on buying high power ones ~

Read about wavelength relative brightness (beam and dot). Welcome to the forums and play safe.

hwang21 · May 29, 2013

Seconded^ it is easy to underestimate the power of high power lasers. It is extremely important to be very careful dealing with any laser, but especially the high power ones. I would suggest you grab one off of eBay first, then work from there. Don't forget your laser goggles!

parks35 · May 29, 2013

I will look around a bit ebay. I'm looking for a pen style laser (class IIIb 20-30mW about) anybody have any good lasers in that range? Also, 445nm looks pretty cool. haven't seen any of my friends with this color, so I may be looking for one of those instead of 405nm. Thanks for all the feedback, it is helping me a lot.

Buying my first 405 nm laser...

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