YouTuber and inventor Styropyro has built and tested a 250-watt handheld laser device. The system is roughly 50,000 times more powerful than standard commercial laser pointers, Styropyro claims in his video.
It is far more powerful than US law allows, in fact. Still, undeterred by the legal frameworks regarding handheld lasers, Styropyro put his device to the test in the name of views and science. In his video, he easily burned through several objects and even left burn marks on diamonds.
An ultra-powerful handheld laser device
Handheld lasers typically come in the form of the laser pointers used by professors in classrooms and kids looking to annoy people at fairs. These typically shine a concentrated 0.005-watt beam – nothing compared to the 250-watt laser device developed by Styropyro.
Styropyro, whose real name is Drake Anthony, is a chemist who’s made a name for himself experimenting with DIY laser systems on YouTube. However, his latest project pushes the boundaries with a system that is, by his own admission, “dubiously legal”.
That’s because legal limits within the US cap laser devices at 5 milliwatts. This is to prevent eye damage and other accidents. At 250 watts, Styropyro’s system far exceeds these limits and it is closer to the power used in industrial cutting tools.
To build his handheld laser, Styropyro procured second-hand high-end components online. The YouTuber is known for finding pieces from eBay and other e-market resellers. He scavenges discarded technology and repurposes it for his designs. As a TechBlog article points out, he has been known to use industrial laser diodes meant for cinema projectors and other broken electronics components.
Styropyro’s new design features several high-power blue laser diodes. Knife-edge combiners merge their outputs into a single, ultra-powerful beam.
Far exceeding the laser danger rating scale
Styropyro has stated previously that he no longer bothers with the “don’t try this at home” disclaimer in his videos. This is because the devices he makes require a lot of time and dedication.
Still, the YouTuber did take precautions not to burn or blind himself with his own device. During his tests, Styropyro used protective gear, including specialized goggles. He also worked in a controlled environment to reduce the possibility of any accidents.
“This laser is so far off the laser danger rating scale that its eye hazards are incomprehensible,” Styropyro explained in his video – which you can watch below.
Styropyro went simply beyond burning things in his demonstration videos. The inventor demonstrated his laser crafting synthetic rubies. Scientists use high-powered lasers to study material properties in laboratories. In his much less formal setting, Styropyro focused his beam onto a material until it crystallized into gem-like structures.
YouTubers have been known to push the boundaries, sometimes resulting in legal repercussions. As Styropyro uses his system in a safe setting, he may be safe from the law. However, he is certainly operating within a gray area. The question is, will he test the limits even further with his next design?