Fun With Lasers

Lasers, Huh?

Yep, Lasers. Lasers are neat. Lasers are cool. What's not to like about lasers? They cover all the bases, it's obvious I'd be interested in lasers:   Lasers have Electronics.   Lasers are Blinky Flashy things.   Lasers are Technical.   Lasers are Dangerous.   Of course I'd be interested in lasers!

Articles

Anatomy of a Cheap Green Laser	If you want to learn more about the inner workings of a cheap green laser, or if you just like looking at laser electronics pr0n, then have a browse through this picture-filled article.
Laser Safety	Until replacement eyeballs are cheap and effective, anyone working with lasers should be well-versed on laser safety. Don't risk your eyesight, or the sight of those around you - practice safe laser habits.
How to Make a DVD Laser	Inside DVD burners, lurks a nifty secret... a powerful red laser! Here is a brief tutorial, with pictures and schematics, on how you can extract the high-power visible red laser diode from a DVD burner, and turn it into a portable laser capable of burning matches and popping balloons.
Story of a Cheap Green Laser	Found a great deal on a high-powered green laser pointer? Thinking about saving a few dollars? Read this detailed review / report, and find out why you might end up paying a lot more. How much are your eyes worth, anyhow?

Media

Laser Action Pictures	Laser Action Movies
Matches caught at the moment of ignition. Balloons caught at the moment of bursting. Lasers caught with their enclosures off.	Several short clips, and a few longer flics, of lasers in action. Matches burning, balloons bursting, tape melting, wood smoking.

Links

• Wicked Lasers - sells Class IIIb Green, Red, and Blue solid state lasers.
  Get 5% off! Use the shopping cart and enter Promo Code 5228 for your discount.
• LaserCommunity.com - very active community and forums for laser enthusiasts.
• Sam's Laser FAQ - very detailed and informative laser site.
• 101+ Laser Experiments - some fun, educational things to do with lasers.
• Green Lasers Forum - actually about more than just green lasers.
• The Professor's Homebuilt Lasers Site - lots of details and resources about several kinds of lasers.