50 mw vs 100 mw

[Oisterboy]

Now, I know DX lasers (and the rest of those places) aren't really the best...but hey, its the only thing within my price range...and are easily replaceable when I break them haha.

So, I have a 50mw laser from LEDshoppe...its awesome. I love this thing. I used it every day since I got it. Then I dropped it, and the button doesn't click anymore. It still works, but there is no "click" feeling. It scares me, so I went for it and got a new laser.

I have a 100mw green laser coming in the mail...

My question is...side by side, will I be able to tell the difference with just my eye? ie- will my 100mw one go visibly further than the 50 mw?

Thanks!

 

[Jaseth]

To achieve 2x brightness, you need 4x power. 100mW will therefore appear about 50% brighter.

However, from DX a "100mW" will usually be no more than 65-70mW.

One beam will not go further than the other - this is light.. it goes on until it is stopped by a tree, a house, particles in the air, a cloud.. a planet. It may appear to go slightly further since you can still see the beam at a slightly longer distance, but the most important factor in seeing the beam far away is divergence.

Seb

 

[photonaholic]

Good answer Seb...... Right on the money

 

[Oisterboy]

Huh.

The more you know! Thanks!