Yes, properly filtered lasers are more expensive, but no matter how good a deal it sounds... DO NOT buy a laser without
first checking into the residual IR component of the beam. Certain manufacturers have been known to LIE !!!
One manufacturer in particular claimed that their lasers have a filter, directly after the diode and before the NdYVO4
crystal. If that was the case, their laser would not work effectively because the IR is being filtered out before the lasing
crystal.
An IR filter can go in one of two places ONLY. Immediately after the crystals, before the focussing lens, or directly
after the focussing lens.
Let me make this perfectly clear. Most lasers on sale are a scam !!!
I buy my lasers directly from reputable manufacturers. I thoroughly test my lasers. I have also tested the cheap generic
lasers sold on eBay. You are looking at the photographs of such a test. They may sound like a good deal, but you would be
much better off to buy a 35mw from Wicked Lasers than a 150mw from eBay. Don't get scammed and don't lose your eyes because
you are conned into thinking that you are getting a good deal. Don't be drawn in by the lies that resellers will tell you.
Most of these resellers haven't got the first clue about lasers and wouldn't know an IR filter if it bit their nose off !!!
Nor do many of them care that their lasers are dangerous and are not rated on their green output. I have spent many hours
talking to such resellers and when they realise that I am aware of the con, they simply sell through a different eBay account.
If you are thinking of purchasing a laser - Do your research and make sure that you know how to test for residual IR.
Don't be conned by big numbers.
I have made it perfectly clear to the manufacturer responsible for producing my range of lasers that good IR filtering
is essential. They have assured me that the residual component will be less than 0.05% IR. Of course, I will put this to the
test when my evaluation model RS500 arrives.
