Burning laser?

Question

ok i just bought a laser pointer and i would like to make it burn things. is there a way i can make it stronger> i really dont want to take apart a dvd player!

Answer 1

Not really.  You will not be able to increase the power output of the laser pointer sufficiently to be unsafe.  If you could you run the risk of burning out the laser diode long before it will be able to ignite anything.  Most laser pointers are very low power devices in the order of 50 mW (0.050 W) or so.  In order to burn anything you probably need to up the power output to at least a couple of watts.  That little pointer laser diode will fry long before it can produce that much power.

Get some clear glass beads from a craft store and glue them to a piece of cardboard in the shape of your name.  Light them up with your laser.

Be safe and have fun.  73 from the Fisherman