Star Wars lightsaber-like laser device for sale, can burn

Quote:

Star Wars lightsaber-like laser device for sale, can burn skin, eyes
BY MICHAEL SHERIDAN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, June 16th 2010, 9:52 AM


wickedlasers.com

The Spyder III Pro Arctic series laser is so powerful, it can burn skin, as well as cause severe eye damage.
It's not exactly a Jedi light saber, but it's pretty darn close.

And it'll only cost ya $200.

The Spyder III Pro Arctic series laser, which comes with the warning that "At close range, this Class 4 beam will cause immediate and irreversible retinal damage," can also potentially burn skin.

"Under no circumstances should they be on sale on the Internet," John Colton, director of Lucid Optical Services, told Sky News.

Calling it "horrendously dangerous," the device - which looks similar to the famed laser swords of "Star Wars" - is 1,000-times more powerful than the average laser pointer and could be "deadly," Colton said.

"This laser possesses the most burning capabilities of any portable laser in existence," touts the Web site that sells the device, WickedLasers.com.

"Wicked Lasers recognizes the dangers associated with its mishandling and possible abuse," the site notes. "Laser safety flyers and LaserShades are shipped free together with every Spyder III 445nm Arctic blue laser purchase."

msheridan@nydailynews.com; or follow him at Twitter.com/NYDNSheridan

I wonder what would happen if the lightsabers were pressed against each other



How ya doing, buddy?

I don't know, but I want one!

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Lightsaber-designed laser pointers. Got it.

Could be useful for setting bonfires.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by izanagi

I wonder what would happen if the lightsabers were pressed against each other

Well, nothing. Since they're just light, why would something happen. :f

Copyright violating design set aside, the development of smaller laser units is always a heartwarming occasion. I wonder what's the mechanical lifetime of the cavity.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Who needs guns after this anyway?

I was speaking idiomatically.

I don't think having a stylish casing and the ability to cause skin burns warrants calling a high-powered laser pointer "lightsaber-like."

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The US Navy is already fitting lasers to it's ships to shoot down incoming missiles and drone planes. Combined with the new non-lethal heat ray they're testing in Afganistan, the military is getting more and more like War of the Worlds by the day.

FELIPE NO

I really want to get the first generation light saber. I know that technically it is not the same thing, and I know they are dangerous, but it would be really cool to show my children. I mean, later on in their lifetime there may actually be lightsabers. I just have to prepare them for the inevitability of it and get the early model of it now.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by slessman

I really want to get the first generation light saber. I know that technically it is not the same thing, and I know they are dangerous, but it would be really cool to show my children. I mean, later on in their lifetime there may actually be lightsabers. I just have to prepare them for the inevitability of it and get the early model of it now.

You're joking.

This is joking.

Right?

Most amazing jew boots

No, what? This is serious. Children need to know about lightsabers firsthand and as early as possible. This man is preparing for the future.

In any case, the price is bullshit. They were originally $200, but the company took the free publicity from LucasFilm's legal threats and ran with it. They're 300 bucks now.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by slessman

I mean, later on in their lifetime there may actually be lightsabers.

Unless they'll be time machines first.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

What's the big deal? They've had pocket sized lasers that are in the 150mW - 350mW power range for years. A typical laser pointer is <5mW. This laser just has a silly case around it.

Slessman: Damn dude you need a reality check. I don't like to crush children's dreams but starwars didn't really happen. Santa doesn't sqeeze his fat ass down your chimney either. Your children are going to be blind right quick because you obviously don't know anything about lasers or the safety proceedures that are required when you use them.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I think the deal is this says its a 1W laser and not in the mW range.

I do like how they claim it's "100 times safer" due to on button placement.

I was speaking idiomatically.

So people have an understanding cnc cutting lasers are typically 2-3W and they cut 1/4"-1/2" steel plates. I think it's great they are building smaller more powerful units but it seems rather irresponsible to market one as a lightsaber.

I wonder what the battery life is on this thing.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Gumby

So people have an understanding cnc cutting lasers are typically 2-3W and they cut 1/4"-1/2" steel plates.

Uh, I think you are off by a factor of 1000 on the wattage there, champ.
The most you can hope to accomplish with a laser like this is a bit of wood burning and possibly cutting paper and thin plastic sheeting.

FELIPE NO

My bad your right. 3000W laser cuts 1/2" plate steel. 3W would be a small engraving laser.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?