The process:-

A very high-powered Infrared laser diode working at 808 nm pumps a tiny block of Nd: YVO4 that generates light at 1,064 nm. This feeds a potassium titanyl phosphate intracavity frequency doubler crystal that produces green light of a visible 532 nm wavelength. High-powered green lasers use lithium triborate instead of KTP.

Features:-

An infrared filter, which is behind the mirror completely, removes the radiation of infrared spectrum from the output beam. In order to reduce cooling problems and prolong battery life, some green lasers operate in pulse or quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) mode. The Class III a laser product gives an output power of 5mw. This is the one of highest-powered street legal laser. Some green lasers even have an output of 10 mw, which has a range of 20,000 feet in darkness. Some even have a 3-second delay feature as these are high-powered lasers and can blind a person. Some laser point extenders are also available. They work by using lenses to minimize the beam spread of a laser. Its price starts from 55$. Majority of them have a life of around 3000 hours.

Applications:-

Green lasers can be used for a variety of roles. They can be used as pointing devices. The ability to form a continuous line in the dark is an added advantage; this has lead to its usage as rescue lights as it can be seen from miles away. It as been used for laser light shows. It is also used for sky gazing as a person can pinpoint a star by using the green laser. It can also be as laser pointers for guns, rifles. In the movie Alien vs. Predator it was used as a pointing device on some G36k carbines.

Advantages:-

The green laser has many advantages. It is fifty times brighter than a red laser because of which it can be seen from miles away, this helps in being rescued if a person is lost. It can also be used in high-tech weapons for aiming purposes. Because of its high range, Green laser pointers can be equipped in different kinds of weapons. High and low temperatures do not affect the performance of Green laser pointers so in case a person is lost in a desert, he can still use Green laser pointers to call for help, in other case, even if a person is lost some where in mountains all covered with ice, he can still use it.

Disadvantages:-

Due to its high power it can permanently damage a person’s eye. As it can form a continuous line of light that might reveal a person’s position so it cannot be used in stealthy operations or by SWAT.

Green laser is quite awesome but it should be used carefully.

For more information on laser pointers, please visit Laser Pointers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luigi_Castagna
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Laser-Pointers-Applications-And-Advantages&id=780478

But how practical is the use of astronomy laser pointers? Does it provide legitimate scientific value, or is it merely a tool used to make research “cool” or “hip”? There has been much debate regarding laser use for astronomy based research in observatories throughout the globe.

If you are a laser hobbyist, or an astronomy enthusiast, you may be familiar with practical laser pointer functions that are ideal for night time studies. But what is it that a person should be looking for to determine if a specific laser pointer will be ideal for their astronomy needs? There are a few things to ponder before applying a laser to astronomy research, points which anyone considering using a handheld astronomy laser must contemplate.

First, where are you going to be using the astronomy lasers? If you are in an area that is relatively high in population, you may have to combat light pollution in order to see the night sky’s constellations. If this is the case, you will need to obtain a high power astronomy laser pointer so that you can actually see the laser beam clearly despite the adverse conditions. We can take this a step further, if you know that you will require a bit higher power for your laser, then you may also want to consider utilizing a 532nm green laser pointer.

Green astronomy lasers are the most commonly used laser pointer because of how bright the green laser beam appears to observers. The green beam is the brightest light frequency in the visible light spectrum, which means there is no laser beam that can appear brighter. Accordingly, green lasers are the most popular color wavelength for astronomy lasers.

Green lasers have a long history of use in space frontier organizations such as NASA, and continue to gain popularity amongst astronomers across the planet. The problem currently is that many scientific professionals are not properly trained in laser usage for astronomy applications, and this is cause for potential disaster. Now, if someone is using a 5mw green astronomy laser, there is very little danger to worry about. The beams output power is relatively low and that keeps everyone around safe.

If a high power astronomy laser is to be used, there is a bit more room for concern and precaution. The higher the output power of the laser beam, the brighter and stronger the beam will appear. This may be ideal for night based astronomy research, but if the beam becomes dispersed or used improperly it can spell disaster for the astronomy enthusiast or simply people who are present. There has been horror stories of astronomy laser pointers gone wrong which lead to large research grants being canceled.

So if astronomy laser pointers are your forte, be sure that you know what you are doing before you engage the powerful lasers. The use of a straight line of green laser light is unmatched by all other astronomers tools, and when a laser is attached to a telescope, astronomy becomes that much more exciting as well as educational. Some of the worlds largest and powerful observatories attach simple astronomy laser pointers to their scope’s casing, allowing for consistent and solid beam output. Astronomy lasers are opening the door and people’s eyes to the beauty of the universe and our milky way galaxy, be sure to shine with care and enjoy your astronomy lasers.

James has been involved with astronomy lasers since the scientific community first incorporated the tools into global research several years ago. His preferred laser retailer provides professional astronomy laser pointers here at http://www.thinklasers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bradley
http://EzineArticles.com/?Astronomy-Laser-Pointers—Cutting-Edge-Lasers-Improve-Astronomy-Pointers-Science&id=650802

Infrared lasers are also used for welding, cutting and engraving of materials. They provide high power and fine band tunable light. Therefore infrared lasers are useful in photo acoustic (PA) techniques. At present CO2 and CO lasers are usually used as light source in PA detection of gases. The reason is that these lasers offer comparatively high power.

Diode-pumped infrared lasers are used in a variety of industrial applications. These lasers are used for engraving metal parts, constructing circuit boards, checking products, and direct-to plate printing. They are of immense relevance in the medical field. Infrared lasers are also used to fix plastic components.

They provide process flexibility and do not emit poisonous vapors. There are long wave infrared lasers and short wave infrared lasers. Communication systems depend on long wave infrared lasers. Long wave infrared lasers are not much affected by bad atmospheric surroundings.

There are other infrared lasers called tunable infrared lasers. These lasers contain high pressure molecular gas lasers and nonlinear frequency converters. Mid-infrared lasers are used by high sensitivity gas systems. Far infrared lasers that are optically pumped provide high CW power.

Medical profession is the most important field that is utilizing infrared lasers more useful. Infrared lasers can be used in thermokeratoplasty and viterctomy. Infrared lasers find use in the visual media and in military applications. Infrared lasers act as target designators to specify a target for an accuracy channeled munitions launching from an airplane. Infrared lasers are also used in high sensitivity gas sensing systems.

Lasers provides detailed information on Laser, Laser Printers, Laser Surgery, Laser Engraving and more. Lasers is affiliated with Foods That Cause Gout.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris
http://EzineArticles.com/?Infrared-Lasers&id=408865

It would be helpful to determine the use or purpose of why you will purchase this specific gadget. Major points you would to consider includes output power, distance it can travel, does it need to be a constant on/off laser engagement or would a temporary push button would just do fine. Paying attention to details would definitely make a difference in the long term value you could give yourself once you sit down and think about these things before letting your cash out.

After spending some time on the important details before you buy your laser, suddenly it becomes clear and you know what you want, but there is still one important tip you must consider. In the internet market as well as other sources, you may be offered with the eye catching less priced models, now in the case of green lasers, cheap does not always spell a good buy.

More often than not its a goodbye to your investment in just a few days or weeks, the reason behind can be a substandard laser diode or a less than adequate casings. The real deal on being a wise buyer is looking in between a good price that does not compromise quality.

In the market, competition always give the end benefit to the average joe who wants to buy the product, now looking a good deal is always smart when you open your eyes among all the choices and considering all the factors that affect your purchase. Remember, Price, Quality and Warranty. If all these considerations are met then, there are no worries when it comes to the purchase of your new gadget.

Lastly , it is also important that when you get your hands on your laser pointer be sure to re responsible enough to read the manual and instructions and always keep safety in mind. Safety for yourself and those around your is an extra word of precaution that you must put into heart.

John Muchow is an astronomist/engineer since he producing some kinds green laser pointer and has modded hundreds of them since. He invented also some high power laser pointers. His professionally certified Green Laser Pointers come from http://www.techlasers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Muchow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Laser-Pointer-Ultimate-Shoppers-Guide&id=2633342

Each team or player on each side has a set or single set of laser controls which fire one or more lasers at the ball or at the reflectors on the top, bottom and side of the field. The field is played in three dimensions and it is not necessary to play of the bottom or side. This fast acting game has no time out and no out of bounds. The field is a tube, box or sphere and is played within that boundary.

The ball has a pattern like a soccer ball, but each of the pentagons is convex in a smooth even flow as the lasers hit the ball it thrusts the ball forward, as the laser builds up nearly instantaneously the power with in the concave cups or cones it explodes and sends the ball bouncing off the walls, which also reflect the laser, bank shots multiple angles using many portions of the interior of the field are possible.

Yet at the same time your opponent is pushing or attempting to push the ball too, using any shot he can make. If you hit the ball perfectly you send it towards your opponent’s goal. Each player sits behind their own goal with a clean reflective shield, so they are not killed by the high-powered laser.

In the advanced versions of the game the player can re-position himself to get a better angle on the ball by operating within a circle of possible positions. Each time he scores the possible positions and circle of possible positions is increased. The future of high tech reality-VR mix is almost here and the designs are ready to be build, if you think you have the skill to take on the best? Think about it.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laser-Ball-High-Tech-Game-of-the-Future&id=83641

Looking into the deeper sense of the green laser social effects, a lot of people in the world has embraced the power of the laser beam. The race for making a weapon of destruction from fantasy to reality has endless boundaries and lasers have been dubbed again as a forefront in making futuristic weapons come true.

Lasers and the Youth

The youth of today has found laser science fiction in reality with Green Laser Pointers. Basically used as a presentation pointer, for star gazing and leveling tool. The laser pointer is considered safe to use. However, the laser pointer has also been an opportunity to make death rays and light sabers by using true green laser beams. A regular 5mW laser pointer can emit a bright beam that projects totally the same photonic light as what we see in science fiction. There are laser pointers and handheld lasers that have higher power ratings from 15mW up to 600mW that can emit brighter beams and may be considered lethal and cause permanent eye damage.

A group of laser enthusiasts worldwide modify these lasers and show to fellow enthusiasts how powerful their modified lasers can be by popping balloons to distances as far as 10 feet or lighting matches and cutting plastics with a laser pointer has been a fad to a limited number of aspiring scientists and hobbyists. With the presence of this fad, more and more people are being indulged to the interest of laser pointer modification with a common goal of creating a high powered laser that can cut and burn. It may not be as harmful as it may seem but it is a way to make that death ray a reality by burning or cutting something with a true laser beam.

Other enthusiasts are interested in laser light projection by reflecting laser beams to mirrors and optical convex and concave lenses and perform laser beam art. Thus providing momentary unique light entertainment through laser beams which is also famous in night clubs as a light effect and people get attracted to it.

The laser pointer is creating a new generation of interest in the information age that can be compared to the slinky in the 1940s. This aspect of laser pointer function makes a fad to the youth.

Responsible Use of Green Laser Pointers

The commercial availability of High powered laser pointers has been present since 2004 and merchants warn and constantly remind buyers to be responsible in handling lasers. It is always advised that a high powered laser be used with proper eye protection and pointing to air crafts is a criminal offense. Remember that a laser pointer beyond 5mW is not a toy and requires responsible handling by the owner.

Kevin Torez is an Astronomer, Physicist and a Laser Enthusiast. Visit Laser Pointers for a guided information about green laser pointers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Torez
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Laser-Pointers—A-Growing-Fad&id=2254059

Type of light

These lasers are advertised as green lasers and should give out green light and only green light. That how ever is not the case. Virtually all supposedly high power green laser pointers on ebay emit a combination of green light with a wave length 532nm light and infrared light with wavelengths of 808nm and 1064nm light.

All genuine high power green laser pointers have a built in filter that prevents them from emitting infrared light. The laser pointers on eBay are missing these filters which have either been removed or deliberately manufactured with out. Removing the infrared filter from a laser pointer increases its power and makes it a lot more dangerous.

Take a 240mW laser pointer commonly found on eBay as an example. This laser pointer is likely to have only 40mW of green light with the remaining 200mW of light being infrared light. Customers pay for laser pointers with 240nm of green light and only get laser pointers with 40mW of light. Effectively cheating them of 84% of their money.

The other problem with missing infrared filters is the lasers are very dangerous. Infrared light spreads out like a torch beam compared to green light which is in a narrow beam. Green light being visible can be avoided but the Infrared light because it is invisible cannot be avoided. Most safety glasses that protect against green light are completely transparent to infrared light. This means a person wearing safety glasses and using one of these lasers is less likely to avoid the beam and much more likely to suffer damage to their eyes.

Measurement of power

The power of most laser pointers will peak in the first few seconds then stabilize at a level much lower than the peak. Reputable sellers will give the average power as the advertised power. Ebay sellers on the other hand use the peak power as the advertised power. This is very deceptive because it misleads people into thinking the laser is much more powerful than it really is.

Modifications

These laser pointers are only designed to handle powers from around 5mW to 10mW. The sellers modify the laser pointers by increasing the power from the batteries to the laser diode so the diode emits a more powerful laser beam. The problem with this that the diode is not built to handle the higher power and will have a much shorter life cycle and is likely to burn out. Many ebay lasers lose power or burn out completely in a matter of hours or even minutes. The lens in the laser pointer the acrylic coatings are also not designed for the increased power and are likely to damaged with reduced performance or fail completely.

These eBay sellers are not laser experts and generally have little or no understanding of the laser pointers they sell. This means they are not able to give qualified advice or recommendations and the level of support and service they can provide is minimal. Their general response to customers when there are problems with laser pointers is to ship it back for a replacement. Given that the cost of the laser is not much more then the cost of shipping it, most customers cut their losses at that point.

Possible remedies

Laser pointers with powers over 5mW are classified as hazardous goods and are not allowed on eBay. If you have been scammed by one of these sellers, you can threaten to report them to eBay and they may have their account suspended or even closed.

If you paid with PayPal, you can also open a dispute for goods not as described. The dispute may not be decided in your favor but most sellers are willing at that stage to issue you a refund. If you paid with a credit card, you can start a charge back with your credit card company in a similar manner with a greater chance of success than PayPal.

The last option is to bluff. Claim that you will contact eBay, the police and the government department in charge of consumer affairs in their country if they do not issue you with a refund. Considering they are selling an item prohibited by eBay and illegal to sell (legal to possess) in a number of countries, this bluff is very effective.

Article is courtesy of Dragonlasers – No 1 lasers, laser pointer and green laser online store

Frank is from Dragonlasers at http://www.dragonlasers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?eBay-Laser-Pointer-Scam-Exposed&id=720857

Getting your laser pointer to burn things can be a big head ache, especially when your laser pointer’s power is not very high.

To make your burning easier, I have listed a few pointers below

Focus lens

Your laser pointer may have a lot of power but the beam could be too wide. The focus lens can focus the beam on a smaller area which will increase the burning ability. Keep in mind that the focus lens will not increase the power of your laser pointer, they’ll just concentrate the existing power over a smaller area.

You can use focus lens from things such as camcorders, disposable cameras, binoculars and monoculars.

Batteries

Batteries must be the number one reason why people have trouble getting their laser pointers to burn. You cannot use standard or used batteries. For your laser pointer to be any good at burning, you need new high quality batteries such as e2 lithiums. These batteries can be expensive but they provide the necessary high current and voltage needed for burning.

Immobile

Both your laser pointer and the target you are trying to burn need to be immobile. This means not holding your laser pointer by hand. Try to mount it on a stand or rest it on a stable surface. The same goes for the target which should be fixed.

Color

The color of the object you are burning is very important. If the color is too light, a lot of the energy from the laser pointers beam will be reflected. Try to make sure that the object you are burning is dark in color. Use black balloons and if you are trying to light matches, color them black with a black felt tipped pen or a black marker.

Surface texture

The surface of your target must not be reflective or shiny. If it is, too much energy will be lost. A shiny or reflective surface also increases the danger of reflection. Always remember that when using high powered laser pointers, even a weak reflection can cause serious injury.

Temperature

The power of your laser pointer will normally decrease as the temperature increases. For maximum burning ability, keep your laser pointer cool. This also reduces the risk of you burning out your laser pointer.

Tip for burning matches: Aim for the crown of the match

Note: Be careful about burning things that are too close to the tip of your laser pointer. You might end up with ash, carbon, sulfur etc on the lens or your laser pointer which can be very difficult to clean.

Article is courtesy of Dragonlasers – No 1 lasers, laser pointer and green laser online store

Frank is from Dragonlasers at http://www.dragonlasers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laser-Pointers-and-Burning&id=377467

Some people out of curiosity, trying to fix a fault or just out of sheer stupidity will look down a laser into the lens where the laser beam comes out. I don’t care whether your finger is off the on button, you’ve taken the batteries out or if the guts of laser are spread all over your work bench, you NEVER look down a laser. You would never look down the barrel of a rifle and in the same way you should never look down the laser.

Most eye injuries with portable lasers have occurred when some one was looking down their laser thinking it was safe. A classic case was when a laser enthusiast looked down their laser when cleaning the lens only to realize too late that they forgot to take the batteries out. That person now has a permanent blind spot in their eye.

2.  Point the laser at aircraft

This looks like a very obvious not to do with a laser but judging from the amount of people out there pointing lasers at aircraft, it is not obvious enough.

Apart from the safety and hazard issues involved, pointing lasers at aircraft is a federal offence in just about every country. So if you want to end up in federal penitentiary breaking rocks for the next 10 to 20 years, please go ahead and be my guest.

If there is one thing that sensible laser enthusiasts hate, it is people who point lasers at aircraft. Not only is it dangerous and incredibly stupid, it is also responsible for over regulating portable lasers to a point where the hobby may not have a legal future.

3.  Point the laser at people

Another obvious “not to do with a laser” that too many people out there don’t seem to understand. High power lasers are dangerous to your eyes so if you point a laser at some one, there is a chance you will injure their eyes. It is that simple.

Sure you might just be pointing the 500mW laser pointer that can light cigars at their hand, the back of their head or on the bridge of their nose where every one knows is safe. What happens though if they move, your hand slips, some one bumps you or any one the many things that can go wrong do go wrong? What happens is in that one split second you are responsible for that person losing partial to complete vision in that eye.

4.  Use the wrong equipment or method to clean the lens

The most common cause for damage to laser pointers and even laser modules (apart from being dropped) is people clean the lens incorrectly. The lens in lasers is a precise and delicate optics that is easily damaged so great care needs to be taken when cleaning them. There are a lot of methods for cleaning lens ranging from tissues and t-shirts to microfiber and lens pens.

The only completely safe methods of cleaning laser lens is to gently blow compressed air on the lens and to use professional optics cleaning tools such as lens pens. If you do use some material such as cotton buds, make sure you also use a fluid such as lens cleaning fluid. Cleaning the lens when they are dry will just cause dust on the lens to scratch them.

5.  Modify lasers

Modifying a laser is when you use one of several methods to increase the power to the laser diode so the laser beam has more power. All lasers, whether they are laser pointers or laser modules can be modified and it sounds like a very cheap way to get a high power laser.

The problem with modifying lasers is that lasers are not designed to handle the increased power levels and modifying them will normally damage or destroy the lasers in a matter of minutes. If you don’t mind ruining your laser or you are interesting in modifying your laser as an experiment, go ahead. If on the other hand you’ve spent several hundred hard earned dollars to buy your laser, leave it as it is.

Click here for Laser Safety Glasses

Frank is from Dragonlasers – No 1 for Laser Modules , Portable Lasers & Laser Safety Glasses

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Things-You-Should-Never-Do-With-a-Laser-Pointer,-Portable-Laser-Or-Even-a-Laser-Module&id=1561045

1. Output Power- What does your specific needs dictate?

Green Laser pointers come in a variety of frequencies, the most common of which comes in 532nm at 5nW . But with recent improvements in green laser diode technology, a lot has changed, and now there are high powered versions like having your handheld wonder at 15mW through 500mW. Some even are so versatile and powerful that they can light matches, pop balloons, burn plastic like your old unusable credit card or just be seen in the night skies at more than 50 miles. Now with all these goodies put into your choosing, it is better to narrow the specifics and know what you really want your device to be like.

2. Under what conditions will you use your laser pointer?

Your device can be used for a lot of purposes, may it be just for fun or your typical astronomy class, its a definite joy to have one. It would be wise pay attention as to how to protect your investment though. Options available may come as basic water proofing, collimating lenses giving you the option to your beam’s pinpoint to be thinner or wider, shock protection for high speed laser use, solid casings or internal diode shock protection.

3. Budgeting is essential

Price ranges of quality green laser pointers range from $49.99 to $74.99. Although you might find cheaper deals as low as $20 that could definitely be a head turner, it is not a wise move to spend your hard earned money on a cheaper alternative that may come in substandard form. And so doing your part and reading some reviews on the net and other research will spare you the trouble over poor quality buys.

4. The skinny on the life expectancy of your laser

With a variety of output powers that is offered alongside these gadgets, one must think about how long will I want my laser to last or should it last? Green diode quality spell the difference in the question of how long will your device last. Cheap variations provide only 100-500 hours of use, while the high quality counterpart can last as long as 5000+ hours and also comes with a 3-6 month standard warranty.

With all these reminders, be sure to smarten up and don’t be fooled by the low price tag. It pays to be do your homework, read reviews and testimonials that specifically talks about the things you want to know about your next buy.

John Muchow is an astronomist/engineer since he producing some kinds green laser pointer and has modded hundreds of them since. He invented also some high power laser pointers. His professionally certified Green Laser Pointers come from http://www.techlasers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Muchow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Facts-to-Know-Before-Buying-Green-Laser-Pointers-(532nm)&id=2633348