Affordable (And non-high-powered) laser pointers?

[Vicious]

I'm trying to find a "keychain" sized Blue laser pointer. 445nm. 1mw - 20mw would be ideal. The exact NM can vary around 445nm, 450nm, whatever... but I don't care much for 405nm...

I'm not a hardcore laser person, though I do have a 1.5W 445nm laser "pointer", and goggles already. A 5mw would be nice for "regular pointing" purposes. Every other internet merchant I've seen out there tries to boast their crazy-powerful specs, which are great, but not for me, nor my wallet! And amazon/ebay seems to sell Labatory lasers, or 405nm...

I'm not very versed in the online-laser-shopping world. Anyone know any reliable, non-ripoff Laser pointer merchant that sells 445nm "weak" laser pointers?

 

[paul1598419]

Those lower power blue laser diodes are actually more expensive than the ones used to make 1.5-2 watt 445nm-450nm lasers. You should expect to pay more for one than the higher powered lasers.

 

[BowtieGuy]

You are probably already aware of this, but a 5mW 445nm pointer woud only be approximately 30% as bright as a 638nm red cat toy type pointer, or 50% as bright as a 650nm red.

Relative Laser Brightness Calculator

Not sure what conditions you'll be pointing in, but a 445nm may be somewhat disappointing for visibility, especially in brighter conditions.

 

[paul1598419]

You might be happier with a 488nm blue laser as it is much brighter mW for mW when compared to a 445nm one. They can be a little teal depending on what the exact wavelength is because the diodes used for them can run anywhere between 486nm and 493nm. The ones that are 488nm or below tend to look very light blue in color.

 

[Vicious]

Thank you guys for your tips and advice. Hm it seems like 20-30MW might be applicable.

Ya, my 445nm is indeed a very deep blue, so The 488-450nm spectrum sounds like a good idea. Any suggestions for online merchants? Or "some guy" I can buy from?

 

[paul1598419]

The diode is a Sharp in a TO-18 case. The part number is: GH04850B2G. Threshold current is about 30 mA, IIRC. It has a fairly high forward voltage, so you'll need two batteries using a buck driver. I'd just search eBay for it. I know as supplier in China, but you have to pay $48.00 for DHL Express shipping, so it is not very good unless you are buying many diodes at one time. I gave my daughter one with a 486.5nm diode in it. It is her favorite color laser.