I want to do an experiment where I need a laser capable of projecting a fine point of light at ~2500 ft. I'm not sure how much laser beams expand as they reach out further, if this is negligible or if it is enough that I need to look for a specific type, lens, etc. I need the light to be able to shine on a target (like a tape measure, grid, etc) that is denominated in at most 1/4", probably down to 1/16" - though the beam/dot can be larger than 1/16"^2 or even 1/8"^2, the finer, the better.
I need to measure very fine adjustments in the laser's level and be able to see on the target/grid where the light falls and how the adjustments effect the beams destination.
I have virtually no practical experience with lasers outside of playing with pointers. I need to know what power and wave length to look for. If a red or green is adequate. I assume the green ones will reach that far as we have been told airline pilots had problems with them (though I'm suspect of these claims - especially when they say they caught the individual doing it - I mean really? how they do that!?).
Any suggestions or comments?
I need to measure very fine adjustments in the laser's level and be able to see on the target/grid where the light falls and how the adjustments effect the beams destination.
I have virtually no practical experience with lasers outside of playing with pointers. I need to know what power and wave length to look for. If a red or green is adequate. I assume the green ones will reach that far as we have been told airline pilots had problems with them (though I'm suspect of these claims - especially when they say they caught the individual doing it - I mean really? how they do that!?).
Any suggestions or comments?