tech e blog

That's a big negative, ewillyp... Focusing with a positive lens will create a higher energy/power density at the focal point, but no real increase in actual power. I need to point out that a 245 mW CW diode is VERY hazardous to the eye. Permanent blindness can result. Under the old laser classifications system, this would be a Class IIIb laser, under the old standard ANSI Z136.1. "Lasers in this class may cause damage if the beam enters the eye directly. This generally applies to lasers powered from 5–500 mW. Lasers in this category can cause permanent eye damage with exposures of 1/100th of a second or less depending on the strength of the laser." Be careful, boys and girls...