I did mention in the article that the beam shot is with smoke…

I am so used to posting in a strictly laser forum, that I forgot that other public forums may not realize how far DIY lasers have come!

Probably most don’t realize that you can light a match easily at 20′ distance with your build when focused properly…
Jay

Jay you helped me build my 8x BDR-203 blu-ray in an MXDL flashlight body and its amazing! I can’t verify for certain what its output power is as I don’t own a laser meter, but I’m told as mine is built is should be outputting over 350mW. Just wanted to lay rest some of the doubters here. Yes the beams do look that bright and intense, this pic is however “heightened” by the fact that there is smoke in the air. But rest assured the blu-ray lasers over 100mW are quite impressive especially so in a dark location.

im assuming due to filters of somekind maybe some cameras pick up 405nm light more “cleanly” than others.

i completely understand why they would have said that now… thinking back… if i had stumbles across that photo 5 years ago, i would have either been like…WOW!!!!…. OR just like thunderbird.

i guess there is a very small portion of the world that has even layed eyes on a REAL blu-ray laser.

i had never even SEEN a photo of one until i stumbled across your pocket mini and 405-G1 threads ^_^ thats why i joined LPF actualy, remember?

Peace J

Ty

I have since updated my Hack N Mod article to mention that the picture is using smoke. And is you look at the video that I linked of an 80mW build lighting matches, you can see that even at that power, the beam shows up nice with just a little smoke from the matches and stuff.

This picture of my 268mW Key Chain blu-ray build, is with a light smoke completely filling the area. Plus, it is a close up picture of the beam. (true 405nm violet color as well)
Jay

LOL and “thunderbird” wouldnt know a laser beam if it punched him in the face lol, photoshopped.

you’ve got to see the humor, because WE know the truth! lol

Of course it does not compare with the burning power. But to the eye, it does compare. I’m sure your diode is one of the longer wavelength diodes. And definitely, anything in the air, moisture, pollen, or any other particles, will add to the visibility…
Jay

maybe that contributes… also the air here is VERY dense with moisture most of the day, i know u can see lasers better in the fog, but even mid day here you can see the beam on my PHR if your not facing the sun anyways.

but like jay sais, everyone percieves 405nm light differently, i know a person who cant see it at ALL…weird, so maybe i just have a PHR that puts out close to 410nm light, as i can see it very well with no smoke, its either in the high end of the UV light spectrum, or its the area i live in.

what do you think J?

Just to mention more about beam visibility with 405nm… You can see the beam in the dark, and at this power, you can easily see the beam reaching out into the night sky. In daylight, or room light conditions the dot is easily seen, but you need smoke to see the beam.
Jay

Congradulations and never stop inspiring us with your incredible work!

~Tyler

and heed his warning about eye protection… it is not a joke. even a flake of dandruff or something stupi like that could send a shot of light right to your retina…instantly destroying it permanently…. i’ve heard horror stories about blu-ray lasers and stupid people lol

Even direct reflections can cause eye damage with this much power. Proper eye protection for 405nm wavelength is recommended.
Jay

WARNING: Do not look into beam with remaining eye.