Lowest possible divergence, maintaining balloon pop @ 500 meters

My question is most likely going to result in building my own laser to get the closest results, but I'm wondering what my best options are for a $140.00 budget.

I would like to know how far I would be capable at managing a burn for under $140. I understand that this is almost an impossible request at 500 yards, but if it truly IS an impossible request, I would at least like to know what is the LEAST possible divergence I can manage with the same budget? I'm not very knowledgeable in divergence to different wavelengths, so it'd be much appreciated if you guys could help me out, thanks!

RidiculousRosco said:

My question is most likely going to result in building my own laser to get the closest results, but I'm wondering what my best options are for a $140.00 budget.

I would like to know how far I would be capable at managing a burn for under $140. I understand that this is almost an impossible request at 500 yards, but if it truly IS an impossible request, I would at least like to know what is the LEAST possible divergence I can manage with the same budget? I'm not very knowledgeable in divergence to different wavelengths, so it'd be much appreciated if you guys could help me out, thanks!

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Do a search. You can answer your question regarding lowest divergence in 2 seconds.

My searches have turned up empty handed. If you're referring to finding results on the divergence over lengths, sure. But I couldn't find anything on divergence in relevance to cost and burn effectiveness for my budget.

RidiculousRosco said:

My searches have turned up empty handed. If you're referring to finding results on the divergence over lengths, sure. But I couldn't find anything on divergence in relevance to cost and burn effectiveness for my budget.

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Ill help you with the basics but try using google search as well. Type your inquiry then a comma and write laser pointer forums. Its a much better search tool than the one here.

I believe for your budget 405-450nm will burn the furthest distance but not anywhere near the distances your talking about.

I admit I should have rephrased the question to begin with, and now that I have an idea of the wavelength, it will be even easier to ask "what's the furthest burn I can achieve with ____ much money." Thanks

RidiculousRosco said:

I admit I should have rephrased the question to begin with, and now that I have an idea of the wavelength, it will be even easier to ask "what's the furthest burn I can achieve with ____ much money." Thanks

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Maybe ask about greatest power for cost and focal length. Those are the factors I think would be most relevant to what your looking for. Yes divergence means a more concentrated dot but there are a lot of other factors at play such as single mode vs multi mode and overall power. All multi modes have higher divergence but come in high powers while single modes have lower divergence but generally below 250mW in your price range.

I'm no expert but I would guess 405nm is what you would want. They have a really far focal point and can get pretty high power fairly inexpensive. Also look into Sci-fi lasers has a 2.4W blue for about that price range. I just got one and its very powerful.

Do yourself a favor, I saw in another thread you're hoping to get very cheap safety glasses. With the power your wanting...Mate, don't fool around with your eye's. Spend $50 and get a good pair of glasses. Check out eagle pair.
Cheers

RidiculousRosco said:

My question is most likely going to result in building my own laser to get the closest results, but I'm wondering what my best options are for a $140.00 budget.

I would like to know how far I would be capable at managing a burn for under $140. I understand that this is almost an impossible request at 500 yards, but if it truly IS an impossible request, I would at least like to know what is the LEAST possible divergence I can manage with the same budget? I'm not very knowledgeable in divergence to different wavelengths, so it'd be much appreciated if you guys could help me out, thanks!

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This would be the most practical way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9QotAtxrmc

I can't answer your question off the top of my head, but a 800mw output 405nm diode module can be had from DTR which nwfreefly recommended as a good burner, although not to focus at a distance with the optics he provides with the module, it won't do so.

Even if the divergence is relatively high, you can still focus to a point at a distance with the right optics setup which makes doing so a very dangerous thing if there is potential for someone getting hit with the beam or fire. I was wanting to link you to the same youtube video nwfreefly provided as an example.

That said, if i could point you to the exact optics you would need, I'm worried to do so, focusing that far out with a burner is too hazardous unless well controlled to assure no one can be harmed by it, or a fire unintentionally started.

RidiculousRosco said:

I admit I should have rephrased the question to begin with, and now that I have an idea of the wavelength, it will be even easier to ask "what's the furthest burn I can achieve with ____ much money." Thanks

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Yes, it is proportional $=distance, the YT video is a starting reference. Read and become knowledgeable so you can put your $ to best use - optics or mW.

This thread is analogous to the Chinese shooting black-powder rockets haphazardly into the sky 1000 years ago. And last years rocket propelled sat landing on the Churyumov–Gerasimenko comet
moving at 84,000mph, 120,000,000miles distant.