What is the safest way to focus a powerful laser for a homemade laser gun?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and technical considerations of focusing powerful lasers for a homemade laser gun, with a particular focus on the use of converging lenses and the implications of laser intensity. The scope includes safety concerns, experimental physics, and the appropriateness of using lasers in DIY projects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Noctua inquires whether concentrating a laser beam would result in a hotter output compared to an unfocused beam.
  • Noctua asks which type of laser pointer would be most effective, suggesting that higher wattage might correlate with increased power.
  • One participant warns about the dangers of lasers, particularly their potential harm to eyes and delicate tissues, emphasizing the need for caution.
  • Noctua clarifies that the project is intended for a physical experiment and expresses an interest in physics.
  • Noctua questions whether combining two lasers with converging lenses would yield a single, more powerful laser beam.
  • Another participant strongly advises against the project, stating that lasers should not be treated as toys and highlighting the risks involved in such experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express concern over the safety of using lasers, indicating a general agreement on the potential dangers. However, there is no consensus on the appropriateness of Noctua's project, as some participants support the experimental aspect while others firmly oppose it due to safety risks.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved questions about the physics of laser concentration and the specific safety measures that should be taken when working with lasers. There are also limitations regarding the clarity of Noctua's understanding of the risks involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the physics of lasers, safety protocols in experimental physics, and the implications of DIY projects involving potentially hazardous materials.

Noctua
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Hello,
I am Noctua and i have 14 years old :D
So, today i had the idea of building a sort of non powerful laser gun.I plan to focus the light with converging lens.I will use a powerful laser Pointer.So, here is my questions:

If I absurdly concentrate a laser , the concentrated light would be "more hot" than the light that has not been concentrated ?

Which laser pointer should I use? More watts, more powerful?

I think i have only that questions...Please, answer me :DD Thanks!

Sorry for bad english, i am from Brazil.
 
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Be careful kid, laser is no plaything. What you said there are all true. Focused pointing laser may not be damaging to skin but it can be harmful for delicate tissue such as people's eyes. What is the purpose of your project, is it for playing tool or for physical experiment? Either way never point it (even the unfocused beam) to anyone's eye.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Noctua
It's for a physical experiment, my first physical experiment.I am interested in physics :) Thanks for the answer!
 
Ok, last question:
If i concentrate two lasers with convergings lens, the result will be only one powerful laser?
 
I'm sorry but we can't help you. Lasers are NOT toys and you should only be working with them if you have a specific purpose in mind. Otherwise you are very likely to injure yourself or someone around you, possibly quite seriously. Find another project to do before you blind someone or burn a house down.

Please see PF rules regarding dangerous activites here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/

Thread locked.
 

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