Spec me a laser pointer

[Socaddict]

So, I'm a physics teacher. As part of that I sometimes do stuff with lasers, but the school laser isn't always the easiest to use as its rather bulky.

I do have a small laser pointer, but its quality leaves much to be desired. As such, I'm looking at getting a smallish laser pointer of some sort that is reliable and decent quality. Somewhere up to 100mW so I can play around with it a bit outside of school as well.

Any advice?

 

[Socaddict]

From my reading, there is advice that over 5mW not be sold to the general public, but there is no legal limitation in place yet. The eye's response varies depending on the wavelength of the laser anyway. If I was looking at a 100mW, I'd bee looking for a red or violet rather than blue or green laser.

I would consider myself competent and trained in their use, and I know that I won't mishandle it. I also would not permit my students to use, except for possibly year 13s under strict supervision.

 

[Socaddict]

That's part of why I'm looking for advice on a decent laser pointer.

Lower power is fine really, just want a good one I suppose.

 

[Socaddict]

Yeah, ordered some cheaper 1mW pointers, and will test them in my own time before I take them into the classroom. Lets see how these hold up, being a little more expensive than the last one I bought.