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FrozenGate by Avery

Regarding optical power...

C

crs

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I bought a 2010 SKYlasers 75mW Green laser pointer with an IR filter and supposedly the output power is >/= 75mW. The problem I have is that it will just barely poke holes in trash bags and make a tiny puff of smoke on vinyl but I have read other threads about people with 40mW non-IR-filtered pulling off the same stunts or better. Should I first suspect that my laser is underspec or that the ones I read about are overspec?
BTW: I received my laser in a very timely manner and it is stupidly bright (to someone who is used to a <5mW green laser that I have owned for 7 years). I have had no problems with it and when I have asked questions they were answered quickly and tactfully.
 





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 out, perhaps if you ask they might be able to find a power graph for you.
 
ok, i will ask them. the beam appears to be an oval but when you look at it in smoke there is a distinct separation in the beam that makes it actually 2 separate beams, side by side. i estimate the beam to be 2 mm x 1 mm.
Burning ability isn't what matters to me so much as claimed power output is.
thanks for your input
 
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Try a magnifying glass or lense. If the laser can't burn even when it's focused, then something is really wrong!
 
it burns plastic wrappers easily with a lens. without a lens it will sting my lips after a few seconds and poke holes in wrappers.
 
crs said:
ok, i will ask them. the beam appears to be an oval but when you look at it in smoke there is a distinct separation in the beam that makes it actually 2 separate beams, side by side. i estimate the beam to be 2 mm x 1 mm.
Burning ability isn't what matters to me so much as claimed power output is.
thanks for your input
Click to expand...

I think it is running in TEM01 mode.others here are more knowledgeable than me, so I hope they chime in.Is it stable that way?Does the dot change shape as you use it?
My first instinct would be to return it, but others here know more.
 
nope. the spot stays the same and when you look at it you cant tell that there are "two" beams (it's too bright anyway).
 
crs said:
nope. the spot stays the same and when you look at it you cant tell that there are "two" beams (it's too bright anyway).
Click to expand...

Interesting.I have a 8mw 532nm that has been solidly stable for years running in TEM01.In smoke or a dark room, you can see the two beams.The dot is oval as a consequence.
 
An oval beam is often a mix between TEM00 and TEM01, when you get 2 distinct beams its stuck in TEM01. Such a laser might still be usable and even have considerable power ouput, but its a major failure none the less. Return in for warantee if possible.
 
It is definitely stuck it TEM:01 but this doesn't bother me because divergence is great and it appears nearly as bright as my brothers 150mW green pointer - at times it appears AS bright. It seems stable so I will not return it until it proves otherwise.

I will end this tread here I guess unless you guys continue because I have another thread that has somehow ended up on the same topic as this one...or the other way around.

Thanks for your input.
 
crs said:
It is definitely stuck it TEM:01 but this doesn't bother me because divergence is great and it appears nearly as bright as my brothers 150mW green pointer - at times it appears AS bright. It seems stable so I will not return it until it proves otherwise.

I will end this tread here I guess unless you guys continue because I have another thread that has somehow ended up on the same topic as this one...or the other way around.

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

No problem, and good luck with your laser!
 
Try to put magnifying glass in front of laser and then see enlarged dot at the wall.
Then you can clearly see beam profile.

If you want burning laser pointer then stable TEM00 beam is what you need.
When you pay 200USD for 75mW then you should expect flawless laser pointer.
I would definitely try to return laser pointer back.
 
yes actually i am going to as something broke in it just now so the button remains recessed and not on. maybe that was the source of the fluctuation...well it was nice while it lasted.
 
KGB_Productions said:
If you paid with paypal you can always file claim.
Click to expand...

Actually if yo paid with PayPal, you're at the mercy of the retailer to take care of you. PayPal will only cover you if the seller never sends you your item. If you get a package, even it it contains the wrong item or is not as decribed or is not up to spec; PayPal could care less.
You can always start a PayPal claim, but you won't get anything unless the retailer wants to help. If however you did not use PayPal and used a credit card without logging into your PayPal account, then your credit card company will help you and can reverse the charges if the retailer does not fix it.
 
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