Are cheap laser pens of good quality?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quality and pricing of laser pointers, particularly comparing ultra-cheap models under $15 with higher-end options ranging from $100 to $300. Participants noted that cheaper models, such as a $17 Hong-Kong LED pointer, can perform adequately for casual use, especially in astronomy. However, the consensus is that more expensive laser pointers, particularly green ones, utilize advanced technology that enhances their performance and reliability. The conversation also touches on the misconception that some low-cost options are merely LEDs rather than true lasers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of laser technology and types (e.g., laser diodes vs. LEDs)
  • Familiarity with laser pointer applications in astronomy
  • Knowledge of wavelength specifications (e.g., 670 nM AlGaInP for red lasers)
  • Awareness of pricing factors in consumer electronics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between laser diodes and LEDs in terms of performance
  • Explore the specifications and applications of green laser pointers
  • Investigate the technology behind violet and UV spectrum lasers
  • Learn about the safety standards and regulations for laser pointers
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, laser pointer users, and consumers evaluating the quality and performance of laser products.

wil3
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Hello- On places like eBay and Amazon, one sees a lot of ultra-cheap, under $15 laser pointers in various colors. For example, my favorite green astronomy laser cost me twenty dollars from amazon last year. Contrast these prices with laser pointers from more respected brands, which seem to range in price from $100-$300 dollars. What exactly is one paying for here? Do the more expensive, brand name models have some attributes that make them better for certain purposes?

For example, when shopping for my astronomy laser I considered a $105 Orion, but I settled for a $17 Hong-Kong-sketchy model that seems to work just fine and be as bright as I need it to be. I am currently shopping for a violet or UV spectrum laser, and I am again tempted to just get something cheap.
 
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If you are talking about green pointers, then I would guess the cheap ones are not lasers but LED's -- and the expensive ($100 or more) ones are indeed lasers.

If you want relatively cheap violet or uv, again I think you would need to use an LED rather than a laser.
 
wil3 said:
For example, when shopping for my astronomy laser I considered a $105 Orion, but I settled for a $17 Hong-Kong-sketchy [LED] model that seems to work just fine and be as bright as I need it to be. I am currently shopping for a violet or UV spectrum laser, and I am again tempted to just get something cheap.
What do you know about the LED polarization? Have you marked it on the side of your LED pencil pointer yet?

Bob S
 
It behaves like a laser, and it travels an equivalent distance to a laser beam. I have worked with LEDs, and so I know what they look like. What makes you thing that it is just an LED?
 
wil3 said:
What makes you thing that it is just an LED?
I figure what made him think it is just an LED is the price. Was that not apparent?
 
It's not an LED, so does anyone have any alternate opinions? I was thinking it had to do with pulse amplitude consistency or something. Thank you for your replies.
 
wil3 said:
It's not an LED, so does anyone have any alternate opinions? I was thinking it had to do with pulse amplitude consistency or something. Thank you for your replies.
The space in my red laser pointer "pencil" is almost completely taken up by two AAA batteries. The rest is a solid state laser diode (probably 670 nM AlGaInP used in cheap red laser pointers). See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_diode

Bob S
 
wil3 said:
It behaves like a laser, and it travels an equivalent distance to a laser beam. I have worked with LEDs, and so I know what they look like. What makes you thing that it is just an LED?
As DaveC said, the price you quoted. Red laser pointers simply use red diode lasers; green laser pointers are more involved. But ... a quick google search does show green laser pointers in the $20-$40 range, so it looks like my reasoning based on price was flawed.