The most powerful laser pointer easily burns through plastic - myth or truth?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

What is a laser pointer? An innocent childish prank or a powerful weapon in capable hands? In this article, we will consider the principle of operation, the main varieties and scope of laser designators. You will learn how powerful pointers are and what you can do with them. And also let's talk about safety.

What is a laser pointer?

The principle of operation is simple. The light emitted by the LED passes through specially selected lenses and is focused at the exit to the laser beam. That is what the human eye sees. Theoretically, the color of the beam can be any - because it depends on the color of the diode itself. However, as it turned out, certain colors of the spectrum are dangerous for humans. Therefore, today only red, green and blue target designators can be found on sale.

Applications

A laser pointer with a power of 1-5 milliwatts that we are used to is sold in any souvenir department. Often theyused at school, during presentations. A bright colored spot allows the speaker to concentrate and hold the attention of the audience.

Similar target designators, only more powerful, are also used by the military. Small arms with a laser designator have been around for quite some time.

Tourists, fishermen, climbers can use the pointer as a guide. For example, if someone from the group is left behind or lost, he can give a signal. By the way, the green beam, unlike the red one, is perfectly visible during the day. And at quite a distance. This is due to the fact that the wavelength in this case is as close as possible to the peak sensitivity of the human eye.

It is also very convenient to show the stars in the night sky with the help of a laser pointer. And the kids will love this gift too. Although animals also like to play with a bright spot of light. Especially cats.

But even a normal pointer needs to be handled very carefully. Do not aim the laser beam directly into the eyes. This can cause serious damage to the retina.

The most powerful laser pointer in the world - 100 Watts

Until recently, it was believed that it was impossible to make a portable pointer more powerful than 1,000 milliwatts. Anything above is already a powerful stationary laser. However, Chinese manufacturers still launched the 10,000 milliwatt Jedi sword on the market, and later the 45,000 milliwatt Blue Dragon, which was the most powerful laser pointer in the world until 2015. She is capable of:

• easy to light a match from the back side;
• pop the balloon;
• burn through the electrical tape;
• melt plastic;
• set fire to paper and thick cardboard;
• melt the tin;
• light a fire;
• engrave soft material.

However, the manufacturers did not stop there. Laser 50000 mw appeared on sale. And a little later, the 100,000 MW Lazer Beam, the most powerful laser pointer in the world today. The device costs about 5,000 rubles. You can order it on Aliexpress. Delivery takes 45-65 days. Package includes:

• metal case;
• 5 different attachments;
• the pointer itself;
• safety glasses;
• charger.

Important point: batteries will have to be ordered separately. In one package, customs simply will not let it through. By the way, take it with a margin. It is rather problematic to find such people in Russia.

Lazer Beam Features

This pointer is really dangerous. Bursting balloons and lit matches are just "baby talk" for her. It is able to light a fire from a distance of 200 m, burn through a mobile phone almost through, start a fire - any fabric (except specially treated) ignites instantly. Such lasers are used, for example, to demonstrate the show. At night, the beam is visible at a distance of 85 km. While the "range" of a conventional pointer barely exceeds 1 km.

In Russia, there are no worthy analogues of such a toy yet. Local manufacturers offer only "household" pointers. Their power does not exceed 1,000 milliwatts. This is relatedfirst of all, with the high cost of the radiating element - such a product would be uncompetitive on the market. A solution is currently being sought to reduce costs.

Safety

Warning: direct eye contact will likely burn the retina. Serious burns to the skin are also possible. When using the Lazer Beam laser pointer, be sure to observe the following rules:

• do not use the device near highways or airports;
• it is forbidden to direct the laser beam at humans and animals - it can cause serious injury;
• be sure to use protective goggles when operating;
• keep the pointer away from children - it's no longer a toy;
• Store your Lazer Beam in the included case.

Conclusions

So, summarizing all of the above, we can draw the following conclusions:

• Chinese pointers, which are sold in any souvenir shop, are quite safe for human he alth - their power does not exceed 10 milliwatts. However, you should still avoid direct eye contact with the laser beam.
• Powerful laser pointers are another matter. To a greater extent, this is no longer a harmless toy, but a professional tool - for example, laser show organizers use them. Accordingly, they must be handled with extreme caution, observing all safety regulations.
• At the moment, our manufacturers only produce target designators with a capacity of up to 1,000milliwatt - this is the most powerful laser pointer in Russia. By the way, this one is also quite capable of blowing up balloons and setting fire to matches.
• Lazer Beam is the most powerful laser pointer in the world. 100,000 mW allows it to easily burn through plastic and wood. The TOP-3 also includes Blue Dragon - the bestseller of 2014. Now she takes only an honorable 3rd place. And on the second - Laser 50000 mW.

The world's most powerful laser pointers are no longer toys. They are really dangerous to he alth. And compliance with safety regulations when working with them is by no means an empty formality.