Laser Obstacle Course

I'm trying to make a first person obstacle/puzzle game where the player goes through various levels avoiding obstacles, jumping on platforms etc. I had an idea to add lasers you need to avoid and if you touch it you die. As I am new to unity, I don't know how to make the collision with the laser happen, but I do know how to restart the scene..

My first plan for the laser was a thin cylinder object, textured red with some particles coming off for laser effect.

My second option was to have a small solid cylinder that is red and another cylinder that is lighter red that can sort of pulsate in and out of the first cylinder to give it a glowing effect.

However, I don't know how to do that, if you could share your thoughts or suggestions I would appreciate it and If you could give me the coding for the player to collide with an object, wait and then restart the scene I would also be appreciative. Thankyou :)