635nm C-Mount Diode

Howdy all,
I'm starting this tread so that I can get the Much needed help for the new 635nm C-mount Diode that I purchased from RHD.
Link to sale thread for the start of the discussion.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/632nm-300mw-c-mount-diode-w-fac-lens-sad-sell-62006.html

So I have never used a c-mount diode before, but have been doing some good reading here and there for more information.

Right now I am on the fence as far as using this diode for a lab build or a handheld. There has been a good amount of discussion so far for the handheld build and some even have good as far as the design stage.
I'd like to put some pictures I have collected so far of different C-mount set-ups and ideas. These photos are not mine, but I don't think many will mind as it all in the name of experimenting.

SOOOO....heatsinking the diode is a must and some have even used TEC coolers for it, or as I see the diode is just mounted to a good piece of metal to dissipated the heat.
This mount also has to be easily aligned with whatever is going to hold the corrective optics as well. The diode I am getting from RHD will have the FAC lens installed and I think this is going to make the whole project a lot easier.

I'll leave it at that for now...I would love ANY input that ya'll may have for this build. It will greatly help me and I hope inspire others in the future to undertake something that may be a bit out of their expertise.
Here are some photos ideas for mounting so far.
Thanks for looking and helpin'

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I really like the Clean design of Kenoms here!(just might have to have one made)
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Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

532 with Envy: How about having one of Our fabricators Mill out a recessed place in the heat sink for the diode to sit in. I was considering trying that on a C-mount diode, but decided not to buy the diode I was looking at.

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

Coherent Light said:

532 with Envy: How about having one of Our fabricators Mill out a recessed place in the heat sink for the diode to sit in. I was considering trying that on a C-mount diode, but decided not to buy the diode I was looking at.

Click to expand...

I think that is what I will end up doing for sure. I don't have the equipment to make it myself. I just want to get a good idea down first. The recessed heat-sink I think is going to be one of the easier parts. The Heat-sink has to align with which ever optics I need to use as well. The set-up i'm getting is coming with some lens for correction, but i'm not sure which to use or how i'm going to get them in line with the diode output.
These are all things i'm hoping to solve through the tread. I'm pretty excited for this build!

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

Cool project.
If it was mine, I'd start out with a temporary lab-style build, get the optics and the heatsinking
worked out first, not worrying to much much abot ultra compactness.
Then start worrying about putting it all in a handheld.
If you design it carefully enough, you might even not have to alter it alot to fit into
a handheld afterwards.

Just my two cents worth....

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

You'll have a better idea of how to fit everything once your optics arrive. It's always easier to hold the parts and see how it works than trying to visualize it in your head.

What about a heat sink the unscrews in a couple of places..like a sandwich, and you place the optics in the sections.

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

well I have really been thinking of making this into a lab build anyways. I have plenty of handhelds but only one labby. Also I think it will be more forgiving and I could make use of a TEC and modulated control(although I don't know how to do that yet)

There should be a non-working c-mount diode that comes too that I can hold in my had and play around with. I am a VERY visual learner and need to see things to really get an idea of what is going on. To all, feel free to post any idea pictures that you might have.
I also apologize in advance for all the help I will need with the project. I am in new territory here but in the right place for that help


Edit:

Welp I feel pretty foolish so far, but am loving what i'v found.
While researching whatever I could on the web for C-mount diode....I kept coming across this one site.
Laser Pointer Forums....:thinking: go figure....

I have some links for others that have been working with C-mounts and some GREAT post's here. Again the old stand by answer here at LPF..."use the search area!"...

Here are the links:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/c-mount-laser-help-42247.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/notes-do-yourself-dpss-parts-available-online-57088.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f40/heatsink-collimator-5w-c-mount-43362.html

And not to down play the above links in any way.....but....wannaburn your build in this post is AMAZING!!
I love the clear end cap to see the diode in action and would like to ask your permission to copy it. I'v always had a vision in my head of a lab build that allowed you to see the workings while it was lasing!

Link and a cool photo...
http://laserpointerforums.com/f40/1000mw-rominsen-836nm-c-mount-25210.html

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

I see a thermal short-circuit. I recommend using nylon screws or maybe even glue.

Come to think of it, I'm not even sure the TEC is necessary :undecided:. The 445nm diodes put out >500% more heat.
Maybe if your goal is to keep the wavelength low.

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

Cyparagon said:

I see a thermal short-circuit. I recommend using nylon screws or maybe even glue.

Come to think of it, I'm not even sure the TEC is necessary :undecided:. The 445nm diodes put out >500% more heat.
Maybe if your goal is to keep the wavelength low.

Click to expand...

If the TEC isn't necessary then I won't use it...My goal really is to do everything I can to keep the diode alive

I'v been putting together a list of needed items and trying to create an idea in my mind.
I do think that I am going with a lab build, I know that a few people wanted to see a portable, but for my own collection a lab will be much more useful.(also a bit more forgiving)
I have some design ideas running around and with the FAC i'm ahead of the game with having to cram more optics into it.

Also perhaps you can input on this, for a driver I was thinking of the FlexModP3....I understand that it is able to be used in analog modulation so I can adjust the output for color mixing in the future?

Also, Also...i'm thinking of including control knob for the analog modulations, making it easy for quick adjustment.

Ideas, ideas, ideas have been running through my head all day. I'v been reading up as well on quite a few builds using c-mount diodes here at LPF in the past few years, and they have been very useful for inspiration and information.
Keep the ideas and help coming and thanks

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

Wow - this is exactly what I always envisioned for the diode! I'm so happy to see this develop

In terms of moving this between hosts too often, be aware that C-Mounts are basically entirely exposed diodes. I read this religiously before I did anything with the diode:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/c-mount-laser-help-42247.html#post553639

That's why I basically only allowed it to be exposed to the world for a minute or so. The second point about dust accumulation is what got me. I know it says the accumulation of dust isn't "rapid" - but with a diode this expensive (and you can surely now relate!) I was paranoid.

I'm sure you'd be fine handling it a bit- but I would highly encourage you to use the dead c-mount IR diode I sent with it when testing fit, wiring drivers, etc. Maybe just put the real thing in once you're ready to go

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

Unless you plan on putting it into a projector, the Flexmod isn't necessary. What were you thinking for power?
A 5V phone charger with a trusty lm1117 with a 100Ω pot would do nicely.

Re: 632nm C-Mount Diode

rhd said:

Wow - this is exactly what I always envisioned for the diode! I'm so happy to see this develop

In terms of moving this between hosts too often, be aware that C-Mounts are basically entirely exposed diodes. I read this religiously before I did anything with the diode:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/c-mount-laser-help-42247.html#post553639

That's why I basically only allowed it to be exposed to the world for a minute or so. The second point about dust accumulation is what got me. I know it says the accumulation of dust isn't "rapid" - but with a diode this expensive (and you can surely now relate!) I was paranoid.

I'm sure you'd be fine handling it a bit- but I would highly encourage you to use the dead c-mount IR diode I sent with it when testing fit, wiring drivers, etc. Maybe just put the real thing in once you're ready to go

Click to expand...

These are very true words!
Actually I have been trying to build a simple LOC build of late and LED'd 2 so far. I have grown sick of the open can diodes and how delicate they are. I beat the Hell out of the 445' s without a trouble, but the open die is a killer.

I plan on 'handling' the dead C-mount that you send for all my design and play, and ONLY when i'm ready to turn it on for the First time will I put in the diode I get from you! I may also pick up some cheap 808nm if I can find one and see how that flys too.

For the driver.....All i'm really interested in is the ability to adjust the power via a easy turn knob of some sort.
The flexmod3 was just something easy and ready, but not really needed.

Then what I'd do is build an LM337 based DDL driver using:

1.366 Resistor
- in series with -
0.4 ohm resistor and 5 ohm pot (in parallel together)

Someone else should double-check the math, but I think that would get you the range of 750 to 900mA current. I don't have the PIV curve here (since I mailed it to you), but I think that is the range covered by the PIV testing.

Also - I haven't actually hear independent confirmation that an LM337 can be used to create a negative regulating version of the LM317 DDL. But my thinking is that it can.

Ok time for my $.02.

If you wanna do labby, you can get a lot of different mounting ideas for this. I can show you my few.



fiber launch system... TEC Underneath







Also TEC underneath. I just LOOVE tearing crap apart!


this was one hell of a thick diode.

I will part with any of those mounts.

Thanks Kenom and sorry for the later reply.
You are correct, I am finding a lot of design ideas and now just have to get all the parts together and create the vision.
I will keep your mounts in mind....I really like what you have done with the fiber system, and it's handy having the pins right there for connection.

(this great hobby is killing me though....I don't know how many times I'v thought about a mini lathe even though I know I have NO room for one!)

Okay then.....
I got my diode package from RHD yesterday and it's in great shape!

I wanted to post where I'm at in my thought process so far.
I found a great host to use for my lab build, it used to be a Power Inverter for vehicles....now it is a fine Lab build!
I think that this will work very well and have plenty of room for the diode mount, optics and driver all in one.

That's the easy part thought. RHD sent a cool test jig/mount and I think that I would like to incorporate it into the build. From my understanding these diodes are VERY sensitive and soldering near them can be dangerous. The jig allows me to mount the diode clean and easy. I was thinking of mounting the jig to another copper block for added heat-sink....now the hard part though is enclosing the diode and first optics to the copper heat-sink.
I understand that keeping these diodes sealed is needed because even light dust over time will destroy it.
I'm open to any ideas that someone might have for this and also will be needing someone to manufacture this piece.
I think that the copper block should be enough for cooling and hope that I don't have to use a TEC. Also if this diode and first lens is closed off than I can put a fan in the housing to cool the driver and heat-sink block.

As far as a driver I was thinking of making things easy on myself and using a flex drive. My only concerns are these....I would VERY much like this unit to be analog modulation(i.e. I want to adjust the power up and down via a nob on top of the unit)...Also I want it to power a small LED to show power up and all of it must plug into the wall(no battery's this time). This should be pretty easy, but i'm not totally sure how to go about it.

So here are some photos of the host that i'm using and the stuff I got from RHD, mainly the jig.
Thanks for looking and I accept ANY help or idea that ya'll might have!:beer:

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Edit: I have looked as close as possible at the working diode. It seems that the FAC lens is a VERY thin strip on the face of the diode and does not seem to be near the back of the diode. I hope that this will make the manufacturing of the Copper heat-sink that much easier. (PS. that thing scared the hell out of me, just looking at those thin wires i'm afraid that they will break.....:undecided

Howdy all!!

Okay, so I have made some design changes....been messin' with some chunks of metal, and been doin' a whole lot of readin'!

SOOOOOO.......
With all this reading and such so far this is what I have come up with but I still have a few questions for those who might be able to help

The Driver:
I'v looked into making my own driver and understand that it must be reverse of the usual build......all the electronics reading has hurt my head:banghead: and I still can't get around building my own. I understand that it "should" be very simple but making this particular diode run off a wall-wart type wall plug in eludes me.

I have then been thinking of using the olde stand by...Micro-Flex drive. I'm pretty sure this would work and easy to set. Please if anyone has ANY input on this it would help alot!

The next...
OPTICS:

convex/concave....concave/concave....convex/convex...focal lengths..all over the place, coating(obvious...635nm, hopefully)..:can:

The diode does have a FAC lens which should do a lot for correcting my beam.

Yes I AM looking for some spoon feeding here on the optics. Please explain why for others and my own future use... I am just lost on which lens or combination of such to create a clean beam at exit.

Best laid plans, I would like to have everything aligned and ready even before I install the diode.(that thing still scares me a bit, better Extremely careful than to loose it)

Pictures coming with my complete build when I get through all my design troubles and pole jump over my technical short comings!

Thanks for everyones help:beer::beer: