How to Choose a Power Laser Pointer for Your Needs

Laser pointers are small handheld devices that emit a narrow beam of visible light, usually used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a bright spot of colored light. They are popular among teachers, lecturers, astronomers, hobbyists, and even cat owners who use them as toys for their pets.

However, not all laser pointers are created equal. There are different types of laser pointers with different power levels, wavelengths, colors, designs, and features. Some laser pointers are more powerful than others, and some can even burn or cut through materials. These are called power laser pointers, and they are not toys. They can be dangerous if used improperly or irresponsibly.

In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the most powerful laser pointers on the market in 2022, and give you some tips on how to choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

## What is a Power Laser Pointer?

A power laser pointer is a laser pointer that has a power output of more than 5 milliwatts (mW), which is the legal limit for consumer use in most countries. Power laser pointers can range from 5 mW to several watts (W), depending on the model and the manufacturer.

Power laser pointers can have different colors, depending on the wavelength of the light they emit. The most common colors are red, green, blue, and violet. However, there are also other colors available, such as yellow, orange, pink, and white.

Power laser pointers can have different designs and features, such as adjustable focus, star caps, safety locks, rechargeable batteries, remote controls, and more. Some power laser pointers can also be attached to rifles or other weapons as sights or aiming devices.

Power laser pointers can have different applications and purposes, such as astronomy, hunting, camping, hiking, military, industrial, scientific, medical, entertainment, and more. However, they should always be used with caution and respect for the safety of yourself and others.

## How to Choose a Power Laser Pointer?

Choosing a power laser pointer can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the technical specifications and terminology. Here are some factors that you should consider before buying a power laser pointer:

– Power: The power of a laser pointer is measured in milliwatts (mW) or watts (W), and it indicates how bright and intense the beam is. The higher the power, the brighter and more visible the beam is. However, higher power also means higher risk of eye damage or fire hazard. Therefore, you should choose a power level that matches your intended use and environment. For example, if you want to use a laser pointer for astronomy or outdoor activities at night, you may need a higher power level than if you want to use it for indoor presentations or playing with your cat. Generally speaking, you should never use a power laser pointer above 5 mW for pointing at people or animals.
– Wavelength: The wavelength of a laser pointer is measured in nanometers (nm), and it determines the color of the light it emits. The most common wavelengths are 650 nm (red), 532 nm (green), 445 nm (blue), and 405 nm (violet). However, there are also other wavelengths available, such as 589 nm (yellow), 593 nm (orange), 635 nm (pink), and 520 nm (white). The wavelength affects the visibility and brightness of the beam. Generally speaking,

– Wavelength: The wavelength of a laser pointer is measured in nanometers (nm), and it determines the color of the light it emits. The most common wavelengths are 650 nm (red), 532 nm (green), 445 nm (blue), and 405 nm (violet). However, there are also other wavelengths available, such as 589 nm (yellow), 593 nm (orange), 635 nm (pink), and 520 nm (white). The wavelength affects the visibility and brightness of the beam. Generally speaking, green laser pointers are the most visible and bright, because the human eye is most sensitive to green light at low light levels¹². Blue and violet laser pointers are less visible, but they can produce more interesting effects, such as fluorescence or burning. Red laser pointers are the least visible, but they are also the cheapest and most common. Yellow, orange, pink, and white laser pointers are rare and expensive, but they can produce unique colors that may appeal to some users.
– Design: The design of a laser pointer refers to its shape, size, weight, material, finish, and features. The design can affect the ergonomics, durability, portability, and aesthetics of the device. Some laser pointers have a simple pen-like shape, while others have a more complex or futuristic appearance. Some laser pointers are small and lightweight, while others are large and heavy. Some laser pointers are made of plastic or metal, while others are made of exotic materials like titanium or carbon fiber. Some laser pointers have a smooth or glossy finish, while others have a matte or textured finish. Some laser pointers have basic features like an on/off button or a clip, while others have advanced features like an adjustable focus, a star cap, a safety lock, a rechargeable battery, a remote control, and more. The design of a laser pointer depends largely on your personal preference and taste. However, you should also consider the practical aspects of the device, such as how comfortable it is to hold and use, how durable it is against wear and tear or accidental drops, how easy it is to carry around or store away, and how attractive it looks to you or others.
– Price: The price of a laser pointer is determined by many factors, such as its power level, wavelength, design, quality, brand name, availability, and demand. The price can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Generally speaking, higher power levels, rarer wavelengths, more complex designs, better quality materials and components, more reputable brand names, lower availability, and higher demand will result in higher prices. However, price is not always an indicator of performance or value. Sometimes you can find cheap laser pointers that work well and last long. Sometimes you can find expensive laser pointers that fail quickly or disappoint you. Therefore, you should always do your research before buying a laser pointer. Read reviews from other users who have bought the same or similar models. Compare prices from different sellers or websites. Look for discounts or coupons that can save you some money. And most importantly,

– Safety: The safety of a laser pointer is a very important factor that you should not ignore or overlook. Laser pointers can cause serious eye damage or even blindness if they are shone directly into the eyes or reflected from shiny surfaces. They can also cause skin burns or fires if they are powerful enough to ignite flammable materials. Therefore, you should always follow these safety tips when using a laser pointer³⁴⁵⁶:

– Never look directly into the laser beam.
– Never shine a laser pointer at anyone, especially their eyes or face.
– Do not aim the laser pointer at reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, windows, or metallic objects.
– Never view a laser pointer using an optical instrument, such as binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, or cameras.
– Do not purchase a laser pointer if it does not have a label indicating its power level and class. The class of a laser pointer indicates its potential hazard. Class 1 and 2 are generally safe for normal use, while Class 3 and 4 are dangerous and require special precautions.
– Store the laser pointer in a secure place, away from children and pets.
– Use the laser pointer only for its intended purpose, and do not modify or disassemble it.

## Conclusion

Power laser pointers are amazing devices that can produce stunning effects and serve various purposes. However, they are also potentially hazardous and require careful and responsible use. Before buying a power laser pointer, you should consider its power level, wavelength, design, price, and safety. You should also do your research and compare different models and brands. By following these guidelines, you can find a power laser pointer that suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy it safely and responsibly.