Is a laser beam visible in daylight?
Laser visibility is influenced by several factors, such as wavelength and optical power. The most challenging place for visibility is outside with lots of natural light and no shadows. Visibility can be improved by increasing the laser’s optical power and choosing a wavelength that stands out. A green laser is recommended for outdoor use, as the human eye detects the green wavelength (520 nm) up to six times more clearly than the red (635 nm).
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What is wavelength?
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In the context of optoelectronics, wavelength usually refers to the colour of the beam produced by the laser. According to the electromagnetic spectrum, different wavelengths have their own colors, visible to humans at about 400–700 nm. The method of observation needs to be considered when choosing a laser. For machine vision solutions, a typical wavelength is 660 nm. If observed with the human eye, the choice is usually red (635 nm) or green (520 nm).
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Which wavelength is most visible to the human eye?
The human eye detects the green wavelength (520 nm) up to six times more clearly than the red (635 nm). A green laser is recommended for applications with challenging conditions and poor visibility.
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What affects the length of the laser line?
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The lens opening angle (a.k.a. the fan angle) has the most effect on the length of the laser line length. A greater opening angle produces a longer line, but the length is also affected by the positioning of the laser module. Positioning the laser, for example, at a 45-degree angle in relation to the surface yields a significantly longer line compared to perpendicular positioning. The further away it is from the surface, the longer the line. Read more >
Which factors play a role in choosing the body diameter of the laser?
Our lasers are available in four different body diameters: 10, 12.7, 20, and 25 mm. The size is mainly chosen with special requirements and optical power in mind. Small lasers (10 and 12.7 mm) are primarily meant to be installed inside devices, whereas larger lasers (20 and 25 mm) are designed to operate independently. Powerful lasers generate more heat, so they benefit from a larger body that has more surface area for better heat dissipation.
What does the optical power of laser mean?
Optical power is power output as measured straight from the end of the laser. Measurements based on laser classification standards are taken from a distance of 7 cm, and this reading may differ from true output power, depending on the optics used. Optical power is the power output that our lasers are adjusted to during manufacturing. Output is stated as watts (W) and is usually in the range of 1–300 mW, which defines the pattern’s intensity. Greater intensity generates a brighter pattern.
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What are the lens options for lasers?
Laser light is focused on the desired pattern using optics. The most common patterns are dot, line, and cross. Diffractive optical element lenses (DOE) can produce more complex patterns, such as multi-lines, dot lines, dot circles, and matrices. Read more >
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Is a laser safe to the eyes?
Laser safety classification is made according to international standards and the laser classes defined by STUK (Säteilyturvakeskus, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland). Using lasers is safe when laser class safety ordinances are followed. The point laser is dangerous to the eyes because its optical power is applied to a small point area like the human eye, whereas the power of the line laser is evenly distributed throughout the whole length of the line and the power decreases as the length of the line increases. Line length increases the higher the laser is installed. User safety is taken into account when determining laser output power for each application.
What is IP classification?
International protection (IP) classification assesses the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. Keypoint lasers are generally in protection classes IP62 or IP67. Class IP62 lasers are dustproof and can withstand dripping water, whereas class IP67 lasers are also dustproof and can handle being submerged in water for a short time.
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What are the operating voltages for lasers?
Lasers are available in either 5, 8, 12, 16, or 24 VDC operating voltage. They can be plugged into mains power (230 VAC) using Keypoint’s power supply.
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Do lasers have a protective window?
Keypoint lasers with 20 and 25 mm body diameters can be manufactured with a quartz window that protects the optics. It is more durable than plain optics and can be wiped clean without damaging the lens. The quartz window is replaceable and can be provided with any lens alternative except Powell line optics.
Connectors and cables?
We have several connector options available. Base models are manufactured with cable glands and either two- or three-wire PVC-insulated cable of the required length. We can also supply our customers with a specific cable. Connector alternatives Binder, DC, and M12 are integrated into the laser body. Connectors can also be attached to the cable end. We offer most of the common connectors on the market.
Read more >
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To what distance can lasers be focused?
If a laser’s application and distance are known, it can be focused to a specific distance during manufacturing. This yields the most precise pattern. If the distance is not defined, the laser should be focused on infinity (∞) to make it universally applicable for all distances. The shortest focus distance is 10 cm, and for distances over five (5) meters, we recommend focus to infinity.
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How are lasers mounted?
Keypoint lasers are mounted with compression fastening on a specified mounting area. Use only plastic mounts, as metal can damage the protective anodized coating. Keypoint offers suitable mounting brackets for easy and safe installation.
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How long do lasers last?
A laser’s service life is mainly determined by the diode’s operating hours. A laser diode is a semiconductor component that degrades with use. In continuous use, red laser diodes usually last for tens of thousands of hours, and green laser diodes for thousands of hours.
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The diode’s lifespan is affected by the conditions in which the laser is operated. Powerful lasers generate more heat, which is the biggest factor in diode degradation. Ambient temperature and body size also affect, making it crucial to pick a large body with better heat dissipation for a high-output laser.
