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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

TOTALLY new to lasers PLEASE HELP

Joined
Jan 24, 2010
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Alright, I have a sudden interest in lasers due to a physics class I had. I have recently been looking up all types of articles and videos about wavelength, power and other things concerning lasers. I have also been looking at TONS of different sites such as nova lasers and laser glow. I was ready to purchase a laser, HOWEVER, I recently found that lasers are illegal in the US. SO, I'm wondering if you really CAN'T get lasers in the US, or if you have a small chance of the FDA actually ruining your fun.

Another thought I had was to build a laser, like some other people have suggested on this site. This is a problem because I know NOTHING on how to get the parts, much less how to actually ASSEMBLE the laser.

I am looking for general answers about if lasers are illegal, what you need to build a laser, where to get the parts for a laser and how to build a laser.

I kind of lied in the title of this thread. I'm not TOTALLY new, like I know what wavelengths are what color, what power is high and low, but aside from that, I'm pretty stupid. PLEASE HELP. :confused:
 





Joined
Oct 24, 2009
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Lasers are not illegal, it's just illegal to import lasers over 5mw.

It's also illegal to use them in harmful ways, like blinding pilots, drivers, cops, etc....

for power, the bigger the number, the higher the power. MW=milliwatts

The link below is like "lasers 101" it's great information.

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserfaq.htm#faqtoc Sams laser FAQ (it's awesome!)

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Welcome to LPF. Enjoy your time with us here.

I have included a handy guide to assist you in finding what you need. ;)

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search.gif
 
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Joined
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Your very welcome.

for the most "fun factor" a 5 MW green pointer is a great place to start.
 
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Jan 18, 2010
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lasers are not illegal in US.
selling over 5mw handheld laser needs FDA license.
if you want to buld a laser, i think a laser module should be needed. then a house for the module. laser module is not handheld laser. and it is can be sold on ebay us site

welcome! please don't say you are stupid. we all start from 0
 
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So, a 5 Mw green laser pointer is a good start? Haha that's good because its "legal" I guess
 
Joined
Jan 24, 2010
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Wait so what are laser pointers' power measured in? Milliwatts or megawatts?
 
Joined
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When I got my first green pointer I was very impressed by it.

The megawatt is equal to one million watts.

The milliwatt is equal to one thousandth of a watt

A one million watt pointer would be nice, but not even buck rogers has one.
 
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