How Far Can You See A Laser Beam?

by | Oct 10, 2013 | High Power Laser Pointers

A common question to consider when browsing different laser pointers online is, “how far can I see the beam?” This may seem like a simple enough question to answer but may not actually be so clear to those unfamiliar with various aspects of laser technology. Here we’ll look at some basic guidelines to help answer this question and others before you buy any particular item.

1. Visible Range

How far can you see a laser beam? It depends on the beam color and output power.

How Far Can You See a Laser Beam?

The range and visible distance of any laser will depend on a few different factors. First and foremost will be the output power (mW) and secondly will be the color of the laser. Both are important factors determining how far a laser beam can be visible for. As a rule, green lasers are roughly 7X brighter than any other laser color at the same output power, making green typically the most suitable at the same power.

2. Focus Adjustable

Another factor that will determine how far a beam can be seen for is the focus adjusting design features available on some laser models. For lasers that offer the option to thin or widen the beam, you can pinpoint targets at close or long distances making it even better for long-range targeting. Condensing the beam will aid in the visibility both up close and at greater distances.

3. How Much Range?

So we return to the question: “how far can I see my laser beam for?” As mentioned there will be many different factors to consider, but here is a basic guideline. 200mW green lasers will be visible for more than 10 miles and blue lasers 1,000mW or more will also be visible for 10 miles or more on a clear line of sight. Factors like cloud coverage, fog, and if you’re at a high point of elevation should be considered, but as a basic rule, you can expect over 10 miles of visible distance on green 200mW+ lasers and 1,000mW+ blue lasers.

Laser technology has come an incredibly long way from the cheap red key chain laser pointers of two decades ago. Now, with a little bit of research online, you can find incredibly powerful and advanced lasers for purchase that will meet and exceed all of the expectations you have in mind. For the best place to Buy High Power Laser Pointers online from the #1 Trusted Laser Source Since 2005, look no further than BigLasers.com

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