Definition of laser pointer

A laser pointer is a small laser designed to highlight something of interest by projecting a small bright spot of colored light onto it. Most laser pointers have low enough power that the projected beam presents a minimal hazard to eyes for incidental exposure. The laser beam is not in itself visible from the side, but is visible as a result of light scattered by dust particles along the beam path. The small width of the beam and low power of typical laser pointers make the beam itself invisible in a reasonably clean atmosphere, showing a point of light when striking an opaque surface.

In the U.S., the federal FDA/CDRH indicates that pointers are “hand-held lasers that are promoted for pointing out objects or locations” with output power less than 5 milliwatts. Promotion of lasers above 5 milliwatts “for pointing and amusement” violates FDA requirements and U.S. law.

In New South Wales (Australia), “A laser pointer, or any other similar article, consists of a hand-held, battery-operated device with a power output of more than 1 milliwatt, designed or adapted to emit a laser beam and that may be used for the purposes of aiming, targeting or pointing.”

But people are easy to get a laser pointer with higher power just by more money, or to do some dangerous things with their legal laser pointer.

What kinds of laser pointers are legal?

In the U.S. and some other countries, lasers pointers less than 5 milliwatts are legal. While in the U.K. laser pointers less than 1 milliwatt are legal. The beam emitted by this kind of laser pointer is sufficiently visible for pointing out things, and what’s more, it is low power so that it will not do harm to our eyes. But it is legal to sell lasers pointers above 5 milliwatts such as “demonstration” lasers in US.

What is the maximum allowed power?

There is no limitation of the power in the U.S. and many other countries. You can buy a laser of whatever power you want as long as you don’t use it for pointing or beam-display.

Laser pointers with more milliwatts having unique requirements?

Yes, in some countries such as United States, lasers above 5 mW (Classes IIIB and IV) should come with labeling, an emission indicator, and an interlock with a key or pin that prevents emission if the pin/key is removed.


What is the maximum power needed for laser pointing?

Lasers pointers less than 5 milliwatts are legal and are also enough for you to use. The beam emitted by 5 milliwatts of green laser pointer is visible enough. The most demanding general-use application is for pointing out stars, when it is necessary to see the beam in mid-air. It takes more power to see the beam than the dot. For this use 5-25 mW should be fine, with a maximum of 50 mW for use in a large group with clear air (few particulates) in an urban environment.

What is the best color for a laser pointer?

The color of laser pointer that you choose really just depends on your personal preference. Laser pointers come in red, green, blue and yellow. A green laser is the most visible. The eye sees green better than other colors. A 5 mW green laser will appear much brighter than a 5 mW red or blue laser.

But we need to know that a laser pointer with higher milliwatts is more dangerous. No matter what kinds of color it is. So when you use a laser pointer, you must be careful enough.