What is a laser pointer? Innocent childish prank or powerful weapon in skillful hands? In this article, we consider the principle of operation, the main varieties and the scope of laser target designators. You will learn how powerful pointers are and what you can do with them. And also talk about safety.
What is a laser pointer?
The principle of operation is simple. The LED radiation passes through specially selected lenses and focuses on 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 to humans. Therefore, today on sale you can find only red, green and blue target indicators.
Areas of use
The usual laser pointer with a power of 1-5 milliwatts is sold in any souvenir department. Often they are used at school during presentations. A bright colored spot allows the speaker to concentrate and hold the attention of the audience.
Similar target indicators, only more powerful, are used by the military. For quite some time there has been a small arms with a laser target designator.
As a guide, tourists, fishermen, climbers can use the pointer. For example, if someone from the group is behind or lost, he may give a signal. By the way, the green ray, unlike the red one, is clearly visible in the afternoon. Moreover, at a fairly large 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 stars in the night sky with the help of a laser pointer. Yes, and children will definitely like this gift. Although animals also like to play with a bright light spot. Especially cats.
But even with the usual pointer you need to handle very carefully. Do not direct 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. Everything above is already a powerful stationary laser. However, Chinese manufacturers still launched the Jedi Sword with a capacity of 10,000 milliwatts, and later the Blue Dragon with a capacity of 45,000 milliwatts, which was the most powerful laser pointer in the world until 2015. She is capable of:
- it is easy to light a match on the back;
- burst the ball;
- burn the electrical tape;
- to melt plastic;
- set fire to paper and thick cardboard;
- to melt the tin;
- make a fire;
- engrave on soft material.
However, manufacturers did not stop there. Laser 50000 mw appeared on sale. And a little later, the Lazer Beam with a capacity of 100,000 MW is the most powerful laser pointer in the world today. The device costs about 5,000 rubles. You can order it at Aliexpress. Delivery takes 45-65 days. Package Includes:
- metal case;
- 5 different nozzles;
- pointer itself;
- protective glasses;
- Charger.
An important point: the batteries will have to be ordered separately. In one package, customs simply will not miss. By the way, take it with a margin. In Russia, finding such is quite problematic.
Features of Lazer Beam
This pointer is really dangerous. Bursting balls and lit matches for her - just "baby talk." It is able to light a fire from a distance of 200 m, burn a mobile phone almost through, set fire - any fabric (except specially treated) is ignited instantly. Such lasers are used, for example, to demonstrate a show. At night, the beam is visible at a distance of 85 km. While the "range" of the usual pointer barely exceeds 1 km.
In Russia, such a toy has no worthy analogues. Local manufacturers offer only "household" pointers. Their power does not exceed 1,000 milliwatts. This is due primarily to the high cost of the radiating element - such a product would be uncompetitive in the market. A search is currently underway for a solution that would reduce costs.
Safety precautions
Caution: with direct contact with the eyes, the beam will certainly burn the retina. Serious skin burns are also possible. When using the Lazer Beam laser pointer, be sure to observe the following rules:
- the device is not allowed to be used near roads and airports;
- it is forbidden to direct the laser beam at humans and animals - it can cause serious injury;
- during operation, be sure to use safety glasses;
- keep the pointer away from children - this is no longer a toy;
- Store the Lazer Beam in a special case included in the package.
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 health - their power does not exceed 10 milliwatts. However, you should still avoid direct exposure to the laser beam in the eyes.
- Powerful laser pointers are another matter entirely. To a greater extent, this is no longer a harmless toy, but a professional tool - for example, they are used by laser show organizers. Accordingly, they must be handled with extreme care, observing all safety rules.
- At the moment, our manufacturers produce only target indicators with a capacity of up to 1,000 milliwatts - this is the most powerful laser pointer in Russia. By the way, this one is also quite capable of exploding balls and setting fire to matches.
- Lazer Beam is the most powerful laser pointer in the world. 100,000 MW allow it to easily burn plastic and wood. TOP 3 also includes Blue Dragon, a 2014 hit. Now she takes only an honorable 3rd place. And on the second - Laser 50,000 mW.
The most powerful laser pointers in the world are no longer toys. They are really dangerous to health. And compliance with safety rules when working with them is by no means an empty formality.