A laser pointer is a small device that emits a beam of light used to pinpoint objects of interest. Laser pointers come in different colors depending on the nanometer wavelength. Red laser pointers use a 650nm diode, red-orange laser pointers use a 635nm diode and green pointers use a 532nm diode. Orange and green laser pointers are more expensive but easily visible because the human eye detects their wavelengths easier. Laser pointers come in many shapes and can be as small as a lighter or as big as a flashlight.
Power
A 1 milliwatt (1mW) laser pointer is about 1 million times more brilliant than a 100-watt light bulb. By Food and Drug Administration regulation, laser pointers cannot exceed 5mW. Most laser pointers are sold as 1mW, 3mW and 5mW variations. Manufactures that claim higher radiances are fakes or cannot be shipped through the United States by law. Laser pointers with 3mW and higher might have warnings. Those that are 1mW usually don't have warnings because their power output isn't as significant.
Red Laser Pointer
Red laser pointers are the most common, with visual lengths at 670nm, 650nm and 635nm. Laser pointers with 670nm wavelengths are often the cheapest and weakest, and can be bought at gas stations for less than $10. Laser pointers that are 650nm are stronger, but 635nm laser pointers are the easiest to see and usually more expensive. These laser pointers can be the size of a pen and are used by teachers, instructors and presenters to highlight words, charts, diagrams and other information.
Green Laser Pointer
Green laser pointers are considered superior to red laser pointers because they are more sensitive to detection by the human eye. A green laser pointer is about 50 times brighter, and in darkness, the beam of light can be seen, unlike the single red dot emitted by a red laser pointer. Green laser pointers are often used in science fields, especially astronomy to point out stars and constellations. They are also used for sky-pointing, signaling and projection on low clouds.
Inappropriate Use
Laser pointers have been banned from most public schools and sporting events. Eye damage can occur if a person looks directly into a laser pointer, with less severity occurring at angles. Some states have banned laser pointers from public sporting events because spectators attempt to shine them onto players in an attempt to distract them from their game.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration takes illegal laser products and inappropriate use of laser products very seriously. Some laser products are tampered with to increase their power above the original manufacture's limits. The FDA has prohibited the purchase and use of the products, and any found in the United States are refused entry or destroyed. Pointing lasers at aircraft has also become a problem, especially with green laser pointers. It is a criminal offense, and offenders caught are punishable by law.
Tags: laser pointers, laser pointers, laser pointers, laser products, beam light, Drug Administration, Food Drug
