Laser Pointer
A laser pointer is a hand-held device used to direct a narrow, monochrome (single color) ray of light at a point of interest. The technology is based on the experimental lasers developed in the 1960s, but made commercially avaliable in the 1980s by the innovation of low-cost laser-diode models.
Fast Facts
- Commonly used for presentations (as well as the disruption of presentations)
- Also used in construction for leveling and measuring
- Available in various colors, most often red and green
Safety and Controversy
Though laser pointers were first marketed as a teaching aid, they became a notable hindrance to teaching once low-cost models were available. Since the 1990s, many school campuses have banned them in order to avoid class disruptions, as well as attacks in which a laser is shined into the eyes of the victim. More recently, high-powered models have been banned in New South Wales, Australia, due to a fad for aiming them at airplane cockpits, thus blinding the pilot. Considering the risk of eye damage, laser pointers should not be used as pet toys with cats.
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