subject: Laser Pointer – The Many Uses of a Laser Pointer [print this page] Laser Pointer The Many Uses of a Laser Pointer
The laser pointer is the new pointing stick. It can be used in numerous ways and by numerous people. It can make a great gift for an executive or professor. Or it makes a great toy for the technologically minded. Laser pointers look like pens. They have visible lasers that are used for pointing out important things in a presentation or lecture. People find multiple other uses for lasers and there is some concern over their safety. Medical doctors say that lasers with less than 5 milliwatts of power are safe to use. Anything more can cause permanent eye damage.
A laser pointer usually contains a gas (helium and neon) that generate low level radiation. This radiation is used to produce a beam of light. Most pointers operate with less than 600 nanometres of energy. Most lasers are reddish in colour. Red coloured lasers are the least harmful and cheapest. But they are available in other colours as well like orange, yellow, green, and blue. Most of the time, the beam of the laser cannot be seen, just the point where the laser intersects a surface. It is most often used in business presentation settings and in classrooms.
The safety of laser pointers has constantly been in question especially as more advanced lasers become available. Many countries have issued safety limitations on lasers. The UK recommends laser no more than 1mW. The US allows up to 5mW as safe. On the internet, lasers are available with upwards of 700mW. These are usually not safe. A good rule of thumb is that if the laser is capable of popping a balloon, burning paper, or lighting a match; then it is probably too powerful to be used safely. Reports of serious injuries have detailed blindness or serious reductions of sight in the eyes. In many cases, the injured eyes do return to near full function and sight, but no always.
Laser pointers are fun and effective devices and can make a great gift for a professional. With a little background knowledge about lasers, an appropriate choice can be made. Be wary of purchasing lasers online and ensure that any laser purchased is at recommended milliwattage. Lasers are not good gifts for children or as toys. Used in proper circumstances and with knowledge of laser safety, they are very handy devices and can even be fun.
