Laser Pointer Characterization and Evaluation at NIST

By Joshua Hadler

Using a low-cost apparatus designed to quickly and accurately measure the properties of hand-held laser devices, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers tested 122 laser pointers and found that nearly 90 percent of green pointers and about 44 percent of red pointers tested were out of compliance with federal safety regulations. The NIST test apparatus was designed so that it can be replicated easily by other institutions. Continue reading