[Laser] 2 questions XE2AT

[Art]

>
>  3. Is there are diference in distance to get with 1mw and 5 mw ?
>


Hi Al,

This is a hard question and there is not a simple answer.

But, IF the power output is actually 1 milliwatt vs 5 milliwatts, then 
there is a big difference in the lasers.

Be aware please...your eye is a poor power meter because it is so sensitive 
to wavelength. A 1 milliwatt 632 nanometer laser looks the same to your 
eyes as a 10 milliwatt 780 nanometer laser does, both of them appear to be 
red and both look the same when viewed with your eyes.

Also, beware of the CDRH sticker. A laser might be labelled as 50 
milliwatts on the CDRH sticker, but in fact it might only be 1, 5 or 10 
milliwatts. DO NOT confuse the power ratings given on the CDRH sticker with 
the actual power output capability of the laser.

The only way to really tell the difference between lasers with different 
ratings is to use a reliable power meter, not your own eyes:>:

Regards.

Art