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Laser usage safety

Violet

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Aug 28, 2013
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Hello.

I recently bought a 75mW 405nm laser. I don't plan on using it inside without glasses on but I was wondering how safe it was to use outside pointing at the sky/trees without using glasses. I've only used it for a few seconds so far outside without the glasses and I love the way it looks, I would hate to always have to hide its true colors so to speak.
 





NKO29

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Jun 6, 2013
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Well, i'm a not complete idiot BUT I have used my 1W+ 445nm indoors without glasses. <-- this is a fu$%ing bad idea and do not quote me on this at all! but when done in a "safe manner" your eyes will not be harmed if nothing goes wrong.
I always use this laser for pointing at stars without goggles and this is commonly seen as a "safe practice" because the humidity in the air isn't enough to reflect many photons back at you. But as for pointing at trees, if there happens to be a reflective surface in or around it there is a minute chance that it will reflect back at you.
edit: Oh btw 405nm is at the very low end of the visible spectrum... Even though it may look a bit dim, you are probably underestimating the power :)
 
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Joined
Aug 7, 2010
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laser "usage" is a vague term.
If "usage" applies to shining a laser around your house - that can have reflective surfaces, mirrors, other people, pets, its a disaster waiting for happening ;)
Same for shining a laser on the sky - where we have airplanes.

If "usage" applies to a well planned experiment, inside a closed room, with no one else inside, with a adequate beam stop (or at least a dark, non-reflective target), with a low power laser, then it should be ok.

Experience and care is needed for proper laser appreciation ;)

Anyways, its just wrong to say "never turn the laser on without goggles". It just depends on laser power, environment, etc. Just don't do anything stupid.
 
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