Hi from another n00b

[meldon]

Hi all

I am just taking my first steps into the world of lasers and so far have only bought a diode (808nm 2W IR) but before I bought anything that will make it work I want to get the safety side right first :undecided:

From reading around I now know that reflected light are almost as dangerous long term as the beam is short term especially as I can't see the light from the diode I bought.

My end goal is to create a burning laser mounted in a frame controlled by a PC, The programming side I will be ok with and even the soldering I am ok with its just the myriad world of lasers now.

So expect to see loads of very simple questions from me in the near future ...

 

[NightExplorer96]

Welcome Meldon to LPF! :beer:

Don't worry about asking many questions, every member is here to help you and make sure all your questions to create your laser are answered!

 

[XxCodyDarnellxX]

Welcome to LPF, Meldon! Best of luck in building all of your future death rays! :beer:

 

[meldon]

right then first question.

I have been looking around the forum and looking at on line stores to decide on the right glasses.

As I mentioned I have a 808nm diode so any glasses that cover the IR spectrum of 700-1100 should be fine but the next question involves power vs OD rating …

So reading up on OD ratings, I believe an OD rating is what calcutes the power that will get through after the filter.

so an example, my 2W diode vs OD6 pair of glasses would allow 2 micro Watts of power through.

Is this correct or have I completely got the wrong end of the stick?