What Will a Laser Diode Burn?

Laser Light

With the growing popularity of DVD recorders, medium-power laser diodes are more widely available. The 150 milliwatt (mW) devices record by burning tiny pits in a blank DVD. They can burn other materials, as well.

Paper

The light from a laser diode can burn sheets of paper. Black paper absorbs light faster, burning more readily.

Wood

A laser diode burns dark-colored, thin pieces of wood. Because wood is denser than paper, it burns more slowly.

Skin

Depending on skin color, skin can suffer mild burns from a 150 mW laser diode. Although not dangerous to the skin, exercise caution when you use an unshielded laser diode.

Plastic

Laser diodes are designed to burn tiny amounts of plastic in a DVD. The light melts and burns small amounts of other plastic materials, as well.

Retina

Even a low-powered, 4 mW laser pointer can damage your retina. The laser light becomes concentrated by your eye, making it more hazardous. Don't shine a laser diode's light into anyone's eyes.

References

• Video: 20x DVD-RW Laser Diode Burning
• Power Technology: Laser Diode Module Safety
• Dragon Lasers: Comparison Chart For Burning and Power

Resources

• Laser Safety Glasses