Hate to break it to you, but that laser won't be 100 mW. At that price, I would be surprised if it even pulls an average of 50 mW.
Next time buy from Rayfoss or O-like, whose prices are still cheap but have much better quality. Or spend a little more and buy from Optotronics.
532 nm Blue- Violet laser? That's a first.... :thinking:
Honestly, I don't know what to tell you other than don't buy it. Look around the forum, I'm sure one of the members here are more than willing to sell you one that doesn't defy any natural laws. (532 violet, :wtf:)
If it won't light a match, (and is focusable), then its obviously not anywhere near 200 mW... probably less than 120. Could you post a quick picture or video? I might be interested in it.
What if people "donated" a small monetary sum to the forum, and every month a few lasers were given away to members who donated, larger amounts giving a higher probability. It legally wouldn't be a raffle... would it?
I always thought raffles were a great idea but now it seems like they have disappeared off the forum...
A monthly raffle could raise some money for the forum and offer a chance to win some expensive lasers most people couldn't afford. Having smaller 2nd and 3rd place prizes would also...
If it truly is 50 mW, it will be dangerous for your eyes. Looking at the dot on a non or barely reflective surface (walls, carpet, wood, etc.) should not be harmful. However, although diffuse reflections such as those are not dangerous, any accidental direct reflection off of things like...
Even if you do manage to focus the point down as much as possible, it will not light a match. 5 mW will never be able to burn ANYTHING, let alone a match! Sorry to disappoint you... You will need to get a laser of 50mW or more to be able to burn things (even then, you will probably need to buy...
The beam of a 50 mW should be very visible at night. Depending on the light / air conditions, you may not be able to see it at all - such as during broad daylight or in a brightly lit room. A busy city can also create a lot of light pollution that may also block out the beam.
Try turning off...
A cheap PHR bluray build may be suited for you, fairly cheap to buy and can even burn. Take a look at some of Jayrob's kits in the Laser Pro Shop section, many are very easy to put together.
I would order from Rayfoss, its a shame if a few mistakes from their part ruins the reputation gained from months of great customer service and quality.
Well, burning ability is not only affected by output power but also by things like size of the dot etc., so it is an unreliable way to measure a laser's mW. The other lasers described are probably focusable or have small beam diameters. I think skylasers may test their lasers before they send it...