The red 5mw laser pointer is similar to the first type of pointer on the market for consumers to purchase in the early 1980s. This is because they are the simplest to make. The laser beam today is generated by a diode which is more powerful, and less expensive.

The early lasers were helium neon lasers that generated a beam at 633 nm. The maximum power of these pointers was limited to 1 nm because of the heat buildup generated from producing the beam.

Since those early years, a diode has been developed to generate the red laser beam. This is a cooler method of laser generation so more power can be applied. These newer lasers generate a beam at 650 to 670 nm.

The latest version is the DPSS or “diode-pumped solid state” red laser pointer. This generates a beam at 671 nm. With this new technology, the price has significantly dropped since their first introduction when they were sold at prices exceeding $100. Today, they can be found in cigarette lighters costing less than a dollar.

The most common and best use for this device is as a demonstration tool by public speakers and presenters. Because the wavelength of beam generated is at a wavelength not in the sensitive range of the human eye, they are best used in low light situations, such as indoors. There have been some application were they were mounted on firearms to be used at laser gunfights, but have since been replaced by the green laser because it is more visible at a distance.

As with all lasers, prolong exposure of the beam to the human eye can cause damage to the retina. The time needed for damage is only 10 seconds so caution should be taken when using a red 5mw laser pointer for any purpose.