Laser pointer facts for kids

Red (635 nm), green (520 nm) and blue (445 nm) laser pointers

A laser pointer is a small tool that shines a safe, low-power laser light. It's usually powered by a battery. Inside, it has a special part called a laser diode. This diode sends out a very thin beam of visible light. When you point it at something, it makes a small, bright spot of colored light. You hold the pointer in your hand. It's used to show or highlight things you want people to notice. For safety, most places limit their power to 5 milliwatts.

How Laser Pointers Are Used

Pointing Things Out

A 5 mW green laser pointer aimed at a palm tree at night. You can see the beam because of tiny dust particles in the air.

Laser pointers are often used in school and business presentations. They help speakers point to important details on a screen. They are great for showing things without getting in the way. For example, they can help teachers guide students during detailed tasks. This technology helps show exact locations and identify parts more clearly.

Red laser pointers work well indoors or in dim light. They are useful when pointing by hand is hard. This could be in construction work or when decorating a room. Green laser pointers can be used like red ones. But they also work outdoors in daylight or over longer distances.

Laser pointers have many uses. Green laser pointers are also popular for amateur astronomy. At night, you can see the green laser beam. This is because of tiny dust particles in the air. This lets you point out individual stars to others nearby. Astronomers around the world use these pointers at star parties. They also use them for teaching about space. Some astronomers even attach laser pointers to their telescopes. This helps them line up the telescope with a specific star. It's much easier than trying to align it using just the eyepiece.

For Work and Science

A laser level used in construction.

Laser pointers are also used in different jobs. For example, construction companies use good quality laser pointers. They help them show exact distances on big projects. These pointers save a lot of time because they are so accurate. A laser pointer can also be built into other tools. It might be in an infrared thermometer to show where it's pointing. Or it could be part of a laser level or other equipment.

They can also be helpful in scientific research. This includes fields like photonics, chemistry, physics, and medicine.

Laser pointers are used in robotics. They can help guide a robot to a certain spot. The laser beam shows the robot where to go. This makes it easier to direct the robot. It also helps the robot be more accurate.

For Fun and Play

Lasers are also used for fun. You can see them in special effects at laser shows. Clubs, parties, and outdoor concerts use powerful lasers. They use them safely to create amazing light shows. These shows often use lenses, mirrors, and smoke to make them look spectacular.

Laser pointers have become a popular toy for pets. Cats, ferrets, and dogs love to chase the moving laser dot. Their natural hunting instincts are activated. They will try to catch it, but they never succeed! So, laser pointers are a fun way for many pet owners to play with their animals.

However, laser pointers are not often used in the wider entertainment industry. Many places do not allow people to bring them in. This is because they could be a hazard. Sometimes, professional dancers wear laser gloves on stage. These are different from pointers. They usually make low-power beams that spread out widely. This helps keep everyone's eyes safe. Magicians have also used laser pointers as props in their magic shows.

Laser pointers can be useful for hiking or outdoor activities. Stronger laser pointers are bright enough to scare away large wild animals. This makes them helpful for hiking and camping. In an emergency, a laser pointer can also be a handy survival tool. It can be used as a rescue signal. This signal is visible to aircraft and other people. It works both day and night, even from far away. For example, in August 2010, two men and a boy were rescued from marshland. Their red laser pen was spotted by rescue teams at night.

Images for kids

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  Red (635 nm), blueish violet (445 nm), and green (520 nm) laser pointers

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  Trails made by a 15 mW green laser pointer in a long-exposure photo of a living room at night

See also

In Spanish: Puntero láser para niños