High Power Laser Pointer
If you are interested in purchasing a high power laser pointer, there are several things that you will want to keep in mind. First, any laser over 5mW is considered to be a high powered laser, and may be regulated in the region you live. However, in order for the laser to be classified as high powered by those seeking them, the laser should be between 50mW and 100mW. Depending on whether or not it is a true mW laser, a high power laser pointer in this range is capable of lighting wood and matches on fire, burning through plastic and popping balloons. If the laser is green, it is also suitable for use as an astronomy laser.
Before you purchase a high power laser pointer, you should find out what the limitations are for shipping in your area. If there are tight requirements on lasers where you live, you will need to ensure that you purchase your high power laser pointer in your own country. This will prevent your expensive laser from being confiscated across the border. As there are manufacturers of these lasers all across the world, you should be able to acquire the lasers you desire from virtually any reliable vendor.
Once you know the rules on your high power laser pointer, you should determine which color you want. Red lasers are the cheapest, while green and yellow lasers are typically the most expensive. Green lasers are highly popular, as they can be used for astronomy as well as for entertainment.
No matter what type of high power laser pointer you purchase, it is vital that you take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. This is due to the fact that while they are entertaining, a high power laser pointer is extremely dangerous. Once you approach the 50mW to 100mW range, a laser pointer of this nature can permanently damage the retina of the eye in a quarter of a second. Due to this, you should never point a laser at a person. At close range, even temporary exposure to the laser can burn the skin as well. As well, lasers of this strength have an extremely long range. They should never be pointed at the sky at aircraft, as the range of the laser is typically able to reach aircrafts, as well as the pilots within them.
You can expect to pay within eight to four hundred dollars for a high power laser pointer, depending on quality of the laser and diameter of the beam.