Newb buying questions

[Krom]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and lasers in general, but have been doing research and reading the forums for a while now and its finally time for me to buy one! I've decided that I want to get a SANWU pocket series green laser in the 50mw range (to avoid burning things indoors) and have a few questions before I make my purchase.

-First of all, how dangerous would a 50mw 520nm laser be to the eyes? Would even just dropping it and getting a flash in my eyes likely cause permanent damage, or a stray reflection? If so then it seems I should always be wearing the glasses any time it is in use.

-Second, I liked the color better of the 50mw 505nm variation, but was concerned about the burning and blinding capability from moving from 520 to 505. Is the 505 significantly more dangerous and more likely to burn things?

Any help would be appreciated, and I'm sorry if this question is redundant in any way.
Thank you

 

[Snecho]

Welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, Sanwu is currently inoperable due to the political turmoil going on in China/Hong Kong right now.
However, Podo, a rep for them on this forum, said they hope to start selling the pocket series again this November.

Laser goggles are always nice to have, and must for high power lasers. But, for lasers 100mW and under there isn't nearly as much of a risk as high powered ones. So, generally, IN MY EXPERIENCE, you can get away with not using goggles when using a lower powered green laser. This is considering that looking at the dot on a wall (diffused reflection) indoors, you will not damage your eyes just by looking at the dot. However, you must make sure you are in a controlled environment and there is absolutely nothing reflective around you.

And if it does manage to hit you in the eye, 50mW will not likely cause permanent damage. I have been hit before by a 50-100mw green laser for a full second. While this is VERY BAD, and I had an after image for a couple days, after extensive testing, my eyes have not been affected permanently.

This subject is kind of a gray area but again, I must reiterate, this is just my personal experience and knowledge and the conclusion and choice you make from that is yours.

As for the 505nm wavelength, for all intensive purposes besides color, it is the same as 520nm. However, another member should be able to add to this.

Hope this helps.

 

[Krom]

Welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, Sanwu is currently inoperable due to the political turmoil going on in China/Hong Kong right now.
However, Podo, a rep for them on this forum, said they hope to start selling the pocket series again this November.

Thanks for the advice, it is very helpful and much appreciated!!

As for the sanwu business, I found the device I'm looking for on skylasers website. Could this be a scam?

 

[Snecho]

Thanks for the advice, it is very helpful and much appreciated!!

As for the sanwu business, I found the device I'm looking for on skylasers website. Could this be a scam?

I'm glad I could help!

I think you tried to post a link to the site? It won't let you until you reach 20 posts. You can send me a private message via "Start Conversation" and it should let you post the link and then I can see if I can help you.


Also, we are thrilled to have you, but if you are considering staying for a while and you think you'd want to learn more about lasers, it would be awesome if you could make an Intro post in the "Welcome" section. Just a short message introducing yourself and where you are located in the world. Also would really help to put that location in your profile. It just makes it much easier for other members to help you.

 

[Krom]

Will do!

 

[Encap]

Real story and real facts and standards long establish concerning all aspect of lasers are available.
All lasers in USA are subject Laws, rules, and regulations and standards established by the US FDA.

A good and real Laser Safety Hazard chart is here: https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/resources/FAA---visible-laser-hazard-calcs-for-LSF-v02.png

Real information about Laser Class/output power and associated eye hazard/ risk is here: https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/classes-menu.html

In USA any laser over 5mW is not considered eye safe and in EU over 1mW----it is possible even at those low output levels to damage eyesight under certain conditions see web page above to learn what the output levels are or what the hazard and Class levels mean..
In USA any handheld lasers over 5mW are illegal to import and/or make available for sale or distribution to customers in USA
See: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitt...tices/illuminating-facts-about-laser-pointers

"Laser products promoted for pointing and demonstration purposes are limited to hazard Class IIIa by FDA regulation.
21 CFR 1040.11(b) and 1040.11(c), limit surveying, leveling, and alignment, and demonstration laser products to Class IIIa. This means that pointers are limited to 5 milliwatts output power in the visible wavelength range from 400 to 710 nanometers. "
See: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitt...rtant-information-laser-pointer-manufacturers

 

[Krom]

Real story and real facts and standards long establish concerning all aspect of lasers are available....

Thanks for the info!

 

[paul1598419]

No wavelength is inherently more damaging to your vision than another. Power is the only consideration. At 50 mW any wavelength would be as damaging in the visible spectrum. It is actually specular reflections, not diffused, that can cause retinal damage. The difference is the former is collimated while the latter is not. I often have looked at diffused reflections from 3 watt lasers without damage to my vision. But, you need to know what you are doing to know when safety goggles are required and when they are not.

 

[Krom]

No wavelength is inherently more damaging to your vision than another...

Thanks Paul! That is good to know!

 

[Snecho]

So how about blue/violet wavelength? Isn't blue more toxic to the eye?

And yes, specular reflections are like mirrors that direct the entire beam into your eye. I was just saying diffused reflections are the safer ones to look at. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[paul1598419]

If it were the color of the sky would have blinded us long ago. The only concern you should have it the power rating.

 

[Snecho]

If it were the color of the sky would have blinded us long ago. The only concern you should have it the power rating.

Thanks Paul!

That is definately some good food for thought.