Guide Note

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

1. Commonly used for presentations (as well as the disruption of presentations)
2. Also used in construction for leveling and measuring
3. 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.