Searching low power blue laser

[CrescentEclipse]

Hi there!

I apologize if a similar thread already exists, but my search got me no results.

I currently want to start with a laser as safe as possible to use. But I want to have a blue laser (between 405nm and 475nm) and found nothing in the low power segment. I am talking about a laser <= 5mW so I can possibly use it without glasses and be safe not to blind me or others with it when toying around.

Is this even possible? :thanks:

lg Cres

 

[NightExplorer96]

As far as having a true <5mW blue laser you can go with the LaserGlow Hydra which outputs <5mW at 447nm but the price is quite high at over $200. laserbtb does sell some 450nm pens that output below <5mW. Their LP450-1 will fit your requirements and be a lot cheaper! I actually owned one of them, metered it and got an output of 3mW's. Do be aware their "5mW" option may tend to hover a few mW's over that output listed

Link below:
LP 450nm 1-80

-Alex

 

[CrescentEclipse]

Hey, thanks for the advice!

Okay, 330$ with shipping is a bit too expensive for me^^
But 46$ is a good price I think.

They have a 1mW option, so I assume this is the most safe option available out there. If nobody else can show me a cheaper laser with the same specs I will go with the laser from laser btb.

"tend to hover a few mW's over that output"
You mean it could happen that their lasers can sometimes have a higher output as listed?

Thanks again!

lg Cres

 

[NightExplorer96]

Hey, thanks for the advice!

Okay, 330$ with shipping is a bit too expensive for me^^
But 46$ is a good price I think.

They have a 1mW option, so I assume this is the most safe option available out there. If nobody else can show me a cheaper laser with the same specs I will go with the laser from laser btb.

"tend to hover a few mW's over that output"
You mean it could happen that their lasers can sometimes have a higher output as listed?

Thanks again!

lg Cres

Yes. laserbtb's units tend to output a little higher then what is listed, which is why the 1mW option is more likely to stay within the safe range :beer:

-Alex

 

[GSS]

CresntE, are you planning on using this for?
For the fun, teaching ect..?

 

[CrescentEclipse]

@Hap
Okay, then I will purchase the 1mW edition. Thanks

@GSS
Only for fun.

 

[GSS]

What's the law in Germany as far mw? Blue isn't to visible to begin with and if you can legally get a 5mw, I would go with that. At 5mw a laser is relatively safe.

 

[CrescentEclipse]

Legally obtainable in Germany are lasers of class 2M or blow (1mW or below). But I have never seen a blue laser in any store around here. Just the standard red laser pointers.

Legally usable in Germany are all laser classes, but only for private use and under the condition that nobody gets hurt (responsible and safe useage). You only can obtain lasers with classes >= 3R in countries outside of the EU. The import seems to be legal, but the customs can decide case-by-case if the person seems to be not qualified enough. In addition, any laser with a mount for weapons come under the weapons law.

 

[GSS]

Maby someone will chime in with experience on Germany's mail customs.
Would hate to see it confiscated just by me recommending 4mw's more

 

[lasersbee]

If you want to pay even less you could try this one for
$18.98 USD ...

5mW 445nm 450nm Blue Ray Portable Laser Lazer Pointer Point Pen

I'm pretty sure it is more than the advertised 5mW... so get some
appropriate Laser Safety Goggles for that wavelength just to be
safe it it is more than 5mW.

If it is >5mW you can add a Neutral Density filter to drop the
power to below 5mW.

Jerry

 

[CrescentEclipse]

Thanks for your effort, but I think I will stick with the 1mW solution, because everything above this level is hazardous for your eyes, especially at this wavelength.

The fact that I want to use it without goggles requires the beam to be as low powered as possible. Class 2M is a safe option, so I will better pay a higher monetary price than pay later a even higher price (loosing eye sight).

 

[Encap]

Thanks for your effort, but I think I will stick with the 1mW solution, because everything above this level is hazardous for your eyes, especially at this wavelength.

The fact that I want to use it without goggles requires the beam to be as low powered as possible. Class 2M is a safe option, so I will better pay a higher monetary price than pay later a even higher price (loosing eye sight).

532nm green would be far more visable, if visibility is a consideration.
450nm blue will be about 10% as bright as 532nm and 405nm is 10X dimmer than 445nm.

You can check relative brightness here: Relative Laser Beam Brightness Calculator: (445nm 1mw) vs. (532nm 1mw)

 

[Radim]

Thanks for your effort, but I think I will stick with the 1mW solution, because everything above this level is hazardous for your eyes, especially at this wavelength.

The fact that I want to use it without goggles requires the beam to be as low powered as possible. Class 2M is a safe option, so I will better pay a higher monetary price than pay later a even higher price (loosing eye sight).

Well, remember 1 mW at this wavelength will be IMO quite dim. You can check luminosity function to estimate visibility by comparing to known laser. Here for example should be some values for export to excel: Luminosity functions

If you do not stare into the beam without blinking, up to the 5 mW is safe even for (responsible) fun.

Edit: Well, Encap's link is more user friendly.

 

[CrescentEclipse]

Thanks Encap! Nice caluculator.

A shame I can't imagine how it will look for real. So I have no clue if 1mW is satisfying or not, You know what I mean?

I already have a green laser and it is very bright. I don't know the output (I think the printed values are fake), but I guess it is above 5mW? I do not have eye protection right now, so I rarely use it and only with extrem caution. It was a present, bought in poland.

But now I want to have a blue laser. I like the color and I have never seen one before. I think it will look more fascinating.

Thanks for the info, Radim.

Class 3R is not as safe, but I guess it is acceptable, although I have to be more careful. What about a sky blue laser (around 470nm)? If the calculation is correct, 5mW at this wavelangth is nearly as visible as the green 1mW laser.

And ideas for purchase?

 

[lasersbee]

Thanks for your effort, but I think I will stick with the 1mW solution, because everything above this level is hazardous for your eyes, especially at this wavelength.

The fact that I want to use it without goggles requires the beam to be as low powered as possible. Class 2M is a safe option, so I will better pay a higher monetary price than pay later a even higher price (loosing eye sight).

Yeah... that is a better choice for your safety's sake...

Jerry

 

[GSS]

Thanks for your effort, but I think I will stick with the 1mW solution, because everything above this level is hazardous for your eyes, especially at this wavelength.

The fact that I want to use it without goggles requires the beam to be as low powered as possible. Class 2M is a safe option, so I will better pay a higher monetary price than pay later a even higher price (loosing eye sight).

I don't think you mentioned to what you enjoy when using one.
Its seems your just happy with the dot or spot aspect?
This power level of blue will not show a beam but I applaud your safety cautions:beer: