Posted: 1/2/2005 8:25:40 AM EDT
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I have a small laser pointer. Push the button and the red dot show up on the wall, floor or whatever you point at. Whats the difference between these pointers and the ones at concerts that actually show a lighted line [streak]. Is it because theres something in the air [smoke maybe] that the light can reflect off of? My little pointer doesn't show a streak of light. Can you by a laser that shows a beam of light? |
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That's usually why they have fog machines. You can't see the beam unless there is something for some of the laser light to hit and reflect back into your eyes. If there is ever a foggy night, lasers are really fun to play with because you can see the beam easily. Or on a cold day you can breathe on the beam. |
Of course the brightness of the laser has a lot to do with whether you can see it. Still, no matter how bright it is, you need particles in the air or you won't see it. |
| Yep, Greenhorn is exactly right. However, the more powerful a laser you have, the less "atmosphere" and brighter the ambient light can be for you to be able to see the beam. So on a dark foggy night, you'll be able to see your laser pointers red beam fairly easily. In your living room guring the day you'll just see the termination point of the beam. |