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"Our results show that the so-called 'frequency doubled' laser pointers, usually green, blue and violet pointers, can be particularly dangerous even if they seem safe to the user," he said.
"For example, some laser pointers can output widely different laser power depending on the temperature. They can appear perfectly safe at room temperature only to become much more dangerous outside and vice-versa. Moreover, as pointers are being used they heat up, so a pointer that initially seems safe can subsequently become highly powerful and dangerous.
"Other lasers can produce safe levels of coloured light, but at the same time emit high power invisible infrared light. A person looking at the visible green light would estimate the laser to be safe and the much greater power and danger would go unnoticed until injury occurs."
Laser pointers have been controversial, in particular because they have been shined into the eyes of plane and helicopter pilots and train drivers, with an average of 1,500 reported attacks per year in the UK. They can cause permanent or temporary eye damage, and it is a criminal offence to do so.
If they're so dangerous, why are they putting them in the headlights for all the new cars?
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday October 11 2017, @12:31PM (3 children)
> If they're so dangerous, why are they putting them in the headlights for all the new cars?
That is simple - people tend to solve problems in the "most efficient" way - but not necessarily smart or safe ways.
For example: the shoe-fitting fluoroscope made it very easy for salesmen to make sure a person's shoes fit properly, but those things were NOT safe ... and it took a while to figure out there was a problem.
(Score: 2) by kazzie on Wednesday October 11 2017, @03:03PM
Given that the fluorosope showed foot bones and none of the surrounding tissue (which is important in esablishing shoe fit) I think there was more marketing gimmick involved than efficient fitting technique.
(Score: 3, Funny) by deadstick on Wednesday October 11 2017, @03:19PM (1 child)
I loved those as a kid. They actually made me want to go shopping with my mom.
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Wednesday October 11 2017, @03:53PM
same same!
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---