Working with Lasers: Safety Procedures & Intensity

[Redbelly98]

This webpage has plenty of information on laser diodes.
http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserdps.htm

Yup, Sam is a good source for info.

There is even an entire list of schematics for diode drivers if you want to build one of your own.
http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserdps.htm#dpscld

It seems the OP's laser modules already include a driver circuit. He just has to supply them with 3V or 6V or whatever.

 

[rob in rowlet]

Hey guys, i don't know much about lasers but i bought a laser pen overseas and my buddy told me it was too strong and could burn things. The sticker says class III, 100mW wavelength 650. Should I be concerned?

 

[mgb_phys]

The sticker says class III, 100mW wavelength 650. Should I be concerned?

Class IIIb
Lasers in this class may cause damage if the beam enters the eye directly. This generally applies to lasers powered from 5–500 mW. Lasers in this category can cause permanent eye damage with exposures of 1/100th of a second or less depending on the strength of the laser. A diffuse reflection is generally not hazardous but specular reflections can be just as dangerous as direct exposures. Protective eyewear is recommended when direct beam viewing of Class IIIb lasers may occur. Lasers at the high power end of this class may also present a fire hazard and can lightly burn skin.

So yes - be concerned

 

[Redbelly98]

Welcome to Physics Forums.

Yes, you should be very careful!

Legally, you can only buy 5 mW max in the U.S.

To burn things you'd probably need a lens to focus the beam to a smaller area, but yes it should be possible.