I've always wondered just how bright a green laser would appear if looked into at a substantial distance so I set up an experiment to view straight into one at a kilometer away at dusk. I aimed at a distant target and drove out to the site and was first amazed to see the effects of seeing affecting the illuminated area. This is the same effect as shadow banding just before a total solar eclipse. I then looked into the beam expecting it to be maybe -8 or -9 mag but was surprised to see that the 27mw laser was nearly to bright to look into and probably was more like -15 or so! Of course this is just an estimate. These things are really quuite amazing.
green laser experiment
Started by ddrake, 08/13/2007 06:16PM
Posted 08/13/2007 06:16PM
Opening Post
Posted 08/14/2007 09:05AM
#2
As has already been posted here:
Lasers that emit between 5mW and 500mW output power are in Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B. Class IIIb lasers cannot legally be promoted as laser pointers or demonstration laser products. Product labels and user instructions must describe the hazard classification of the product and its output characteristics.
With any laser product, the potential for injury depends both on the product itself and how the product is used. Higher powered Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B lasers are dangerous and can cause either temporary visual effects or an eye injury.
What is the problem with more powerful Class IIIb lasers being promoted and sold as pointers?
Class IIIb hand-held lasers are too dangerous for use as pointers or amusement articles. Furthermore, promotion of Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B products for pointing or amusement violates FDA requirements and United States law. Manufacturers of such products may be required to repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of violative products distributed in the U.S. These products are also subject to detention and seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when imported.
Irresponsible use of more powerful laser pointers poses a significant risk of injury to the people exposed. Persons who misuse or irresponsibly use lasers are open to personal liability and prosecution.
Dave Mitsky
Lasers that emit between 5mW and 500mW output power are in Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B. Class IIIb lasers cannot legally be promoted as laser pointers or demonstration laser products. Product labels and user instructions must describe the hazard classification of the product and its output characteristics.
With any laser product, the potential for injury depends both on the product itself and how the product is used. Higher powered Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B lasers are dangerous and can cause either temporary visual effects or an eye injury.
What is the problem with more powerful Class IIIb lasers being promoted and sold as pointers?
Class IIIb hand-held lasers are too dangerous for use as pointers or amusement articles. Furthermore, promotion of Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B products for pointing or amusement violates FDA requirements and United States law. Manufacturers of such products may be required to repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of violative products distributed in the U.S. These products are also subject to detention and seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when imported.
Irresponsible use of more powerful laser pointers poses a significant risk of injury to the people exposed. Persons who misuse or irresponsibly use lasers are open to personal liability and prosecution.
Dave Mitsky
Chance favors the prepared mind.
De gustibus non est disputandum.
Posted 08/15/2007 09:31PM
#4
You know what curiousity did to Mr. Kitty, doncha?
If you value your eyesight, please don't do this again.
If you value your eyesight, please don't do this again.
Uncle Rod
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