1. I just received my laser and it doesn’t work.  Is it broken?
2. How do I know that my handheld laser is delivering it's full advertised power?
3. Can I test the divergence of my laser?
4. My laser starts bright, then dims and fluctuates like this for a few seconds.
5. My laser won't pop balloons.
6. My laser won't cut black electrical tape.
7. My laser won't light matches.
8. My laser lights matches within the first few seconds, but then no longer does so.
9. I have a question not mentioned above. Is there anyone I can speak with?

I just received my laser and it doesn’t work.  Is it broken?

Due to international shipping regulations, we are unable to ship batteries to various countries. In order to get your portable laser unit working, you must first insert 2 AAA batteries into the back end of your laser unit. 

1. Unscrew the metal cap located on top of the pen clip. 
2. For Green lasers, place 2 x AAA batteries (negative end first) into your laser unit.
3. For red Pulsars, place 2 x AAA batteries (positive end first) into your laser unit. 
4. Screw the battery cap back on. 
5. Press the button and enjoy your Wicked Lasers unit.

How do I know that my handheld laser is delivering its full advertised power?

Measuring the output of a portable handheld laser is relatively easy. We use a Coherent LaserCheck Power meter, along with other laboratory equipment, to ensure that laser output is what we say it is. If you would like to check for yourself, you can obtain a Pocket Laser Power Meter from websites such as eBay. You can also visually compare our laser modules to a >5mW green laser pointer to see the dramatic difference

Can I test the divergence of my laser?

1. Always wear laser eye protection during this test.
2. Project the beam onto a matte black surface at 1m.  A metal surface painted with flat black paint works well.
3. Measure the diameter of the beam in mm excluding the area where the brightness is less than 20%.
4. Measure the beam again at 11m for the aperture of the laser module, excluding the area where laser power is less than 20% of the beam centre.
5. Subtract the value measured at 1m from the value measured at 11m.  Divide the result by 10.  This is approximately the divergence in mRad (milliradians).

My laser starts bright, then dims and fluctuates like this for a few seconds.  

All DPSS lasers have an initial spike of power, in some cases this is more visible then others. This fluctuation which may look like dimming and flickering is completely normal as long as it lasts for only a few seconds or so. If it keeps flickering for an extended period of time, then you may have a stability problem. Please contact Wicked Lasers at support@wickedlasers.com.

My laser won't pop balloons.

Please check the following:
1. Try marking a black spot on the side of the balloon with a sharpie or other black marker.
2. Try using a darker colored balloon.
3. Try blowing the balloon up further.

If it still does not work, free feel to contact Wicked Lasers at support@wickedlasers.com.

(Keep in mind, only green lasers 95mW+ and Spyder II lasers are designed to pop balloons.)

My laser won't cut electrical tape.

Try putting some weight on it so that it stretches. The ability to cut tape varies with the different types of tape. Keep in mind, only our Extreme and Spyder model lasers are designer to cut tape.

You can also use an optical lens to further focus the power of your laser beam.

My laser won't light matches.

Try using a match that has either a red tip or colored black tip (using a sharpie or any permanent maker). Also, try aiming the laser at the crown of the match head, as this seems to help. Keep in mind, only green lasers 95mW+ and Spyder II lasers are designed to light matches.

You can also use an optical lens to further focus the power of your laser beam.

My laser lights matches within the first few seconds, but then no longer does so.  

You are using the peak output to light the match, this is the initial high rise in output that is characteristic of DPSS lasers.  Also, lasers known to light matches may not be able to once the laser gets too warm or hot. However, once you let it cool down, it should once again be able to light them. This occurs because heat causes the pump diode and crystals to become less efficient under normal room temperatures.

I have a question not mentioned above. Is there anyone I can speak with?

For all other questions and concerns, please contact support@wickedlasers.com.