How much laser power do I need to make a visible beam?
Small lasers such as a 5mW HeNe can make a visible beam provided they are operated in total darkness with particulate matter [smoke or dust] in the air. To make a more visible beam you would need an Argon, Copper Vapor or YAG laser as the eye is more sensitive to green light. A 100 mW argon laser would make a visible beam in a dimly lit room with smoke or dust in the air. To make high visibility laser beams such as the kind you see in clubs/bars, you would need at least a 1 watt Argon laser as these locations have plenty of ambient light. Typically the lasers used in clubs/bars are in the 3 to 5 watt power range. The lasers used in outdoor shows can vary from 5 watt Copper Vapor lasers to 20 watt argon lasers, to 60+ watt YAG lasers.
