How to Make Fire With Lasers

High-powered laser pointers can be used to start a fire.

Laser pointers are miniature, portable devices most commonly used to highlight points of interests during presentations, achieve more accurate aim while operating a firearm or point out individual stars in the night sky. High-powered lasers, like green or red lasers, can produce heat through their innate light radiation and can therefore be used to spark a fire. When concentrated on a focal spot for a certain amount of time, these lasers can be used to burn paper, wood or other organic material.

Things You'll Need

• Red or green laser pointer
• Batteries
• Goggles (if using green laser)
• Matches
• Burning material (paper, wood, leaves)
• Water

Instructions

1. Prepare the laser by constructing the individual pieces of the laser pointer and installing the batteries.

2. Place one or a few matches on the flammable material.

3. If using a green laser, place goggles on the face to protect the eyes.

4. Focus the laser on the head of the matches to create the flame.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have large amounts of water handy when starting a fire in case it gets out of control.

• Always use goggles when using a green laser in order to protect the eyes. Avoid direct contact of the green laser beam on skin.

References

• Gadget Lasers: How to Start A Fire With Your Red or Green Laser Pointer
• Dr. Greene: Laser Pointers