980nm vs. 808nm

What are the major differences between an 808nm c-mount and a c-mount that is like 940-980nm? Would a 3W for both do just the same? Is it that big of a difference?

Well that depends.

The major difference, is, as you have noticed the wavelength that the diode emits. One big difference is that 808nm will produce a dim (very deceptive) red dot, while 908nm will be completely invisible.

The second and more important difference is the use of the diodes. 808nm is used in all DPSS systems (green lasers, blue lasers, yellow etc.) by using appropriate crystals etc, whereas 980 is useless for this app.


If you want to buy the diode just for burning, then it really doesn't matter, but if for DPSS then 808nm is the way to go. And yeah 3w of either will burn very nicely.


Thanks
brtaman

Also are these good enough to cover me even if its 808 or higher?
http://cgi.ebay.com/808nm-980nm-106...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

They look just like the good ones i got from laser-wave for my RGB and 405nm customs.

Well they should do the job. However they do not seem to be certified, this is a minus imo, when dealing with 3w laser systems. Though they might do the job, it depends on how much your eyesight is worth to you.


I have no problem using WL lasershades for my lasers, they are not certified, yet I feel comfortable wearing them in my power range. But, 3W...3 watts...3000mw of coherent light is not something to be taken lightly, so I would really go for some high spec items (OEM lasers has great certified goggles), they may cost quite a bit more but, it really comes to the question of how much is your eyesight worth to you.

The ones you pointed to in the link may be fine, but its a heavy gamble, if they do not provide sufficient protection.

Makes sense. Do you have any suggestions or links where I can get some resonably priced IR shades for my 3W?

Well that depends on what you consider reasonable.

http://store.oemlasersystems.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_10

Here is the protection section of OEM laser systems (Frothychimp a member here). They have top notch equipment, I think there is also a discount for LPF members (not 100% sure though). They have the goggles for you.

If you feel like hunting ebay occasionally has good certified IR goggles, but not too often.

Also I remember reading about surplus army goggles which handle IR as well, they are certified and also very robust, they can be had for a quite cheap IIRC . Though I cannot find the thread, if I find it I will update this post.