Green Laser Pointer II

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.2 x 0.2 inches ; 2.1 ounces

Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

ASIN: B0002198F0

By : Mpo
Price : $32.95
You Save : $67.00 (67%)

Product Description

No, it's not red - it's green Okay, just about everyone has a red laser pointer. This pointer is significantly brighter (about 50 times) than a red laser pointer and because of its unusual color it is much more noticeable. I mean come on, a 532 nm green laser wavelength is obviously superior to a laughable 650 nm red laser wavelength. And unlike a red laser, the green beam itself can be seen in mid-air in dark conditions, not just the laser beam dot. This allows the green laser pointer to be used for pointing to star constellations (sky pointing) and also just generally look cool as hell. The green laser beam dot can be seen at much greater distances than with a red laser pointer. Since green direct injection laser diodes aren't readily available, this pointer is based on the use of Diode Pumped Solid State Frequency Doubled (DPSSFD) laser technology. A high power IR laser diode at 808 nm pumps a tiny block of Nd:YVO4 generating light at 1,064 nm which feeds a KTP intracavity frequency doubler crystal to produce the green beam at 532 nm. Features of this unit include: Very bright green laser at 532 nm wavelength Output power of <5mW (Class IIIa Laser Product) Range of approximately 9,000 ft (2600 m) in darkness 1.1 mm beam diameter at source Momentary push button switch Solid, heavy duty construction Constant wave output.

Technical Details

Very bright green laser at 532 nm wavelength

Output power of <5mW (Class IIIa Laser Product)

Range of approximately 9,000 ft (2600 m) in darkness

1.1 mm beam diameter at source

Momentary push button switch and solid, heavy duty construction

Customer Reviews

This unit is much brighter than another green laser I used to own (which dimmed after switching on). The beam output is constantly bright, and I can see the beam in a semi-darkened room, in fact, I can see the beam under my desk in a well lit office. With a magnifying glass I can actually burn small holes in black dustbin liner (don't try this at home!). It's well made, feels nice and comes in a smart foam lined steel case. This is definitely the best laser pointer I've ever had. Highly recommended.

I put new batteries in the laser pointer when it arrived and it worked fine at first. However, I then set it down for a few minutes before picking it up again. I put it straight back down because the metal housing was too hot to touch. This happened in the course of about 2 minutes. I had to use a spare t-shirt to pick it up, unscrew the cap and tip the batteries out. I let the product sit for a few minutes to cool down and put it back in. A few days later the same thing happened.
I wanted to know why this was happening. It was only occasionally, but twice in three days was too common for something that could start a fire. What I noticed bothers me; this device works by passing its current through the outer metal housing! The cap to the batter compartment is just a plain piece of metal that pushes directly against the battery. Obviously the idea is that whenever the device isn't in use the circuit is open and no current passes (so no heat), and while in use energy is consumed by the laser so there isn't excess energy that needs to be burned off as heat. Somehow, perhaps shaking it the wrong way or setting it down too roughly, the device manages to short circuit itself creating a closed circuit without engaging the laser unit, causing it to become incredibly hot until the batteries run out. This unit is a fire hazard.
Also, the button is weak. Even before I ever pressed it, it rattled a lot just by toughing it. If you're in a job where you'll use this product on a frequent (daily) basis like me (I'm a teacher), I doubt the button will last you six months.
I'm disappointed and returning this. I'm just glad I hadn't put this in my briefcase when it decided to get hot.