How To Build A Laser Pointer
If you want to learn how to build a laser pointer, there are several things that you will want to keep in mind. First, homemade laser pointers tend to be far stronger than the legally allowed personal laser pointing device. Because of this, you must understand that you are putting yourself at risk by constructing one of these laser pointers. As the legal limit is no more than 5mW for a laser pointer, and the average strength of a homemade laser pointer is 50mW, there can be consequences if you attempt to travel across borders with one of these pointers, or if you use one and it causes injury to someone.
If you are willing to deal with the potential consequences, learning how to build a laser pointer is quite simple. The most basic laser pointer makes use of spare parts from a dvd drive, as well as parts from a high quality flashlight. In addition to this, you will need some parts to build the casing for your laser pointer, as well as any additional wiring and power sources you need to make it function. Many people choose to work with pointers powered by AAA batteries, as this gives ample power for even a 100mW laser pointer.
What supplies you need for learning how to build a laser pointer is dependent on the type and strength of your pointer. If you want a weaker pointer, you can use a cdrom laser component instead of a dvd drive laser. If you want a stronger laser, you can use a high quality dvd drive laser that is equipped with light scribe. The higher the quality of components you use, the stronger and brighter the finished product will be.
Before you assemble anything when learning how to build a laser pointer, you need to make certain you have the proper safety equipment. Lasers, especially high powered lasers of 5mW or more, can be extremely damaging to the eyes. You should always wear eye protection designed to aid against lasers. You can purchase these goggles from equipment stores designed for labs. Labs make frequent use of high powered lasers, and typically will have to goggles needed to safely work with partly assembled lasers. In addition to this, you will want to wear gloves to protect your skin. Lasers of this strength can easily burn the skin, which can result in a painful, potentially scarring injury.