500mW are used for an array of activities, from presentations and stargazing to the all-enjoyable cat play toy. As the Star Wars fans tremble in anticipation of upcoming second Star Wars anthology film, some of you may want to invest in a “real life lightsaber”.
Teachers and lecturers love them. Students love them. Managers use them and so can you. The only trick with a laser pointer is choosing the right one.
This ultimate and timeless gadget is a must-own, as it opens up a world of possibilities and – let’s just be honest – a whole lot of fun. Up until the 1950s the technology was an expensive luxury. However, with the advances of the last decades and a better understanding of radiance i.e. surface vs. divergence vs. wattage, you too can take advantage of the “toy” that suites your pocket and needs.
Laser pointer radiance is measured in mW (milliwatt). So, when you are looking to buy a gift for yourself or a special someone to light up their lives, this is an important factor to understand in order to make the right choice. There are an array of colours to consider, from a deep red, green, blue and yellow-orange to even violet (violet is used in Blu-Ray and was first released in 2010). Then, there is the range; some high power laser pointers sport a range up to 3000 meters!
Laser pointers actually have a range of output powers. Visible laser pointers, known as Class 2 range from 400 to 700 nm that operate with less than 1 mW of power whereas the Class 4 laser pointers generate more than 500mW!
An important consideration is safety. A laser pointer is in fact a powerful little gadget, so always remember not to point it onto your skin and never shine it in your or someone else’s eyes. Recently, the Gauteng Education Department threatened serious punishment to any pupil bringing a laser pointer into school grounds, so always ensure that your children “play safe”.
Laser pointers actually have a range of output powers. Visible laser pointers, known as Class 2 range from 400 to 700 nm that operate with less than 1 mW of power whereas the Class 4 laser pointers generate more than 500mW!
An important consideration is safety. A laser pointer is in fact a powerful little gadget, so always remember not to point it onto your skin and never shine it in your or someone else’s eyes. Recently, the Gauteng Education Department threatened serious punishment to any pupil bringing a laser pointer into school grounds, so always ensure that your children “play safe”.
You may need a low wavelength laser pointer for that all-important presentation. You may want a low wavelength laser pointer to taunt your cat with. Or you might be planning a stargazing excursion with your special someone and a 2000mW laser pointer. The fact remains the enduring popularity of all laser pointers comes from colour, light and a little imagination.
