"Hi-Output" red laser pointer

[PhotonWrangler]

\"Hi-Output\" red laser pointer

I just looked at the review of a $1.00 red laser pointer on Craig's site (go to the LED Museum and click on "What's New") to see it.

I saw this same unit at a discount store awhile back, being sold for a few bucks. I saw the phrase "High Output" on the box so I picked it up and looked at the specs. When I saw "maximum power 1 milliwatt" I laughed out loud and thought "pfffft! Yeah, high output... right" and put it back down.

After reading the review of this unit, though, apparently it's mis-labelled as being lower in power than it actually is. Craig measures somewhere between 4 to 5 mw on his sample unit. I'm guessing that they're marking them as "1 mw" to get around export/import restrictions...?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

 

[The_LED_Museum]

Re: \"Hi-Output\" red laser pointer

These laser pointers are definitely mislabelled; but I don't know if it's accidental or purposeful.
O, and the page is right here if anybody is interested. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[i7r7]

Re: \"Hi-Output\" red laser pointer

I have seen many of these "Hi-output" lasers over the years. Right now, I've got say.... 250-300 of these sitting in my house at the moment. Probably seen over 2000 over the years.

And as part of my product testing etc... I've played around (and kept) with many of the so called <1mw pointers. Basically all of the pointer have <1mW 635-680nm specifications, however some batches are 3mW and 5mW (the ones that I keep).

However, comparisions between pointer that I know are 3-5mW are very, very similar output to those 1mW. Even some of the 1mW are just noticably brighter than a $60AUD 5mW 635nm pointer. Those specifications are all wrong.

It's all a game of luck, but if you buy one red laser you'll say that it's bright. Get another one and compare then you'll see the difference. However, get a green laser and you'll never look at a red laser the same again.

Jeff

 

[PhotonWrangler]

Re: \"Hi-Output\" red laser pointer

I wonder whether our perception of the brightness in MW is linear or logarithmic? Does a 10mw laser appear roughly twice as bright as a 5mw for the same wavelength and beam distribution? I suspect not, but I don't know for sure.