Safety Question: KES-400A <10mW

[Ryo]

I just built up a KES-400A bluray laser, FlexDrive set to 30.4 mA (I changed out a 8k resistor for a 25k resistor to put the FlexDrive to 30mA-40mA current limit).

(Based on a chart made by DrLava) I'm estimating my output power to be around 9 mW.

How much risk is there for eye damage if I accidentally hit a reflective material?  When I say reflective I'm talking about white paper, or even a license plate, not a mirror.  The beam seems really bright to me so I wasn't sure if it's due to my eye adjusting to the wavelength or if I need to dial the laser down in power.

I'm just playing extra safe since my eyes are very important to me.

Thanks for you help!

edit: Just figured out the load circuit didn't give me a accurate current limit.. was actually at 36mA current draw, so output power was above 10 mW. Readjusted to 30.3 mA current limit.
This means I was looking at 11mW of power at too close for comfort.

 

[thesk8nmidget]

at a power level that low you will have a much better chance at not having serious eye damage! but it still can happen

so take all the precautions you can.

a very quick reflection from say glass may hit your eye and your body should blink fast enough to not cause damage.

but dont go trying that out.

 

[diachi]

11mW of Violet can't be all that bright :-? It shouldn't be much brighter than a 5mW red . Anyway, you probably will be safe from specular reflections with 10mW i.e. reflections from paper or other white surfaces, although a direct beam exposure may cause damage.

-Adam

 

[Ryo]

Thanks guys.
This is good.. since I was also thinking of making this for a pointer in presentations. Was wondering if the reflective nature of a projector pull down screen would cause issues.

 

[iewed]

I believe that Dave (Daguin) uses 405nm pointers for presentations, if you have any concerns you should send a him a pm.

 

[Ryo]

I'll do that. Thanks for the suggestion