Hi my name is Don, I am very excited about finding this forum. I have always had a thing for lasers. However I recently had the urge to build a higher powered one. I only really have one laser pointer, it is nothing special it is 5mw green pointer, I recently came across a bunch of optical mirrors and made this video.
YouTube - Green Laser and lots of mirrors
My goal over spring break was to build a laser, however the more I read and the more research I did, I realized that I have a lot to learn. There is so much that I did not know.
I ordered a phr diode from kendall at hightechdealz.com, not realizing it would have been worth the extra couple of bucks for him to install the diode in the houseing for me. I also ordered some sure modules from him. Then I learned that I needed a driver, lol. So now I have a rkcstr driver on the way. I also have to learn how to solder. I have been spending hours on these forums, there is so much information to take in. Luckily I have been off this week from school and I have had some extra time on my hands. I also need to learn how to set the current on the driver. So much to learn, its ok though, I have given up on completing a laser this week and accepted the fact that much more research is going to be needed to be done in order for me to finish my first build.
Anyway I just wanted to say hello, I attached an image of the mirrors I used to make that video, I built holders for them out of legos, it was the quickest cheapest way I could think to mount the mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
YouTube - Green Laser and lots of mirrors
My goal over spring break was to build a laser, however the more I read and the more research I did, I realized that I have a lot to learn. There is so much that I did not know.
I ordered a phr diode from kendall at hightechdealz.com, not realizing it would have been worth the extra couple of bucks for him to install the diode in the houseing for me. I also ordered some sure modules from him. Then I learned that I needed a driver, lol. So now I have a rkcstr driver on the way. I also have to learn how to solder. I have been spending hours on these forums, there is so much information to take in. Luckily I have been off this week from school and I have had some extra time on my hands. I also need to learn how to set the current on the driver. So much to learn, its ok though, I have given up on completing a laser this week and accepted the fact that much more research is going to be needed to be done in order for me to finish my first build.
Anyway I just wanted to say hello, I attached an image of the mirrors I used to make that video, I built holders for them out of legos, it was the quickest cheapest way I could think to mount the mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.