Green Laser Pointer Reflecting: Hot or Not?

AI Thread Summary
Reflecting a green laser pointer off a mirror can still produce a hot beam, capable of burning materials if the original laser is powerful enough. The intensity of the reflected laser depends on the mirror's reflective quality. While some energy will be absorbed by the mirror, the majority will be reflected. Therefore, caution is advised when using lasers near reflective surfaces. The discussion highlights the potential hazards of laser reflections.
TechnoVirus
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Hey guys, I'm wondering.. If I were to reflect a green laser pointer to the mirror, will the reflected laser be hot too? Or will I be heating the mirror?
 
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Depends on how perfectly reflecting the mirror is. But in any case, yes the reflected laser will be able to burn stuff (if it was able to in the first place), and just a small amount of energy of the laser will go to heating the mirror.
 
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