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Mgt3
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Is it in any way possible to build a 10 watt (battery powered) handheld laser?
Mgt3 said:Is it in any way possible to build a 10 watt (battery powered) handheld laser?
berkeman said:Sure. What's the application? What laser safety training have you had?
Mgt3 said:I have not had laser safety training (where can you get instructions), but it's obvious that a 10 watt laser would pose eye and skin hazards. My reason for asking is this: I've seen certain green/blue/infrared laser pointers sold between 500 mW - and 1 watt in a flashlight type unit. It might be useful for people interested in material cutting if you could make a similarly compact, portable unit at a higher output.
This is a country where you can buy assault rifles at the mall rememebr.berkeman said:I'm surprised that "laser pointers" are available in the 1W range as well. Could you provide some web pointers? Hard to believe they are made -- the liability is huge.
mgb_phys said:This is a country where you can buy assault rifles at the mall rememebr.
berkeman said:True enough. But not silencers. (ironic analogy, eh?)
Danger said:The most obvious one is visual. Anything with even a small percentage of that power can destroy the retinae in your eyes. Skin burns and accidental fires are also possible in that power range.
Mgt3 said:I was unaware that 1 watt was enough to damage skin. At what power does a laser become lethal? More importantly, why are these devices which can inflict, at minimum, irreversible damage to a person's eyes so easily available?
Danger said:I am totally unfamiliar with the politics involved. You might as well ask why Tasers are illigal here in Canada, yet can be bought at a grocery store in the US. Lethality depends upon both the location and the duration of exposure, so that question is not really answerable.
Mgt3 said:So a 5 watt laser probably wouldn't be lethal?
Danger said:Again, location and duration. Neither a shot from a .22 nor thirty seconds with an electric drill in your foot will kill you. Either applied to your temple is a different story.
edit: Hi, Berkeman. You sneaked in on me again.
How efficient is bad to you?bassplayer142 said:a typical 5mw laser will kill batteries pretty quick. You start putting many orders of magnitude more power in the batteries won't work. Also the efficiency of lasers are very bad so there would be tremendous heat.
Mgt3 said:Is it in any way possible to build a 10 watt (battery powered) handheld laser?
This is correct, original poster could be facing "criminal negligence" if used in a improper manner, basically anywhere outside, or in a room with people.Danger said:It's not just the OP that needs protection, given the way that he presented the question. It's those in his vicinity who are at risk. I'm not sure what the legal terminology in his location would be, but 'criminal negligence causing bodily harm' would apply where I live. Not a good idea.
Mgt3 said:I read that 10 watt lasers were used for cutting metal and assumed that they would be the more dangerous type of laser for sale and worried that a powerful laser like that could come out for sale in a laser pointer in the future if it is not already out. I would ask that you please let the thread reflect that I have no intention of building such a device and posed my original question for educational purposes only.
A handheld 10W laser works by using a power source to generate a high-intensity beam of light. This beam of light is then focused and amplified using a series of lenses and mirrors, allowing it to reach a power output of 10 watts. The laser beam is emitted through an aperture or opening at the end of the handheld device.
While a handheld 10W laser can be safe to use, it is important to always follow proper safety precautions. This includes wearing laser safety glasses to protect your eyes from the intense beam of light, as well as avoiding pointing the laser at anyone or anything that could be harmed by the high-powered beam. It is also important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
A handheld 10W laser can cut through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and certain types of metals. However, the thickness of the material that can be cut will depend on the power and strength of the laser. It is important to carefully consider the material and its thickness before attempting to use a handheld 10W laser for cutting.
Proper maintenance of a handheld 10W laser is essential for ensuring its longevity and safe operation. This includes regularly cleaning the lenses and mirrors to prevent dust and debris from affecting the laser's performance. It is also important to use the laser in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating and to periodically check and replace any worn or damaged parts.
Building a handheld 10W laser can be a complex and potentially dangerous task, as it involves high-powered components and precise assembly. It is recommended to purchase a commercially available handheld 10W laser from a reputable manufacturer rather than attempting to build one on your own. This will ensure proper safety measures and quality components are used for the laser's construction.