DIY Project: Waterproof Grid projection

Hi everyone!

First of all: let it be clear that I am a total newbie when it comes to lasers. Therefore I will greatly appreciate any help and guidance provided. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

For a student project not really related to lasers I am in need of a projected grid similar to this:


The size of each square, or number of squares is not vital, but I guess more is better. The total size should be at least a few meters wide at a distance of 5m. As this probably can be adjusted by moving the laser module around it is not critical for this first attempt. It is more critical to locate available parts that can enable us to do something similar to this.

I am looking for tips or suggestion as to how to create a demonstration prototype in a cost effective way (sort of a "proof of concept").

From what I gather from search here and reading what I need is a semi powerful laser module, and possibly some sort of diffraction grating?
This might seem silly, as I know very little about these things, but here is my plan:
Buy a waterproof laser module, and find a supplier that either has a finished grating, or can make one.

My main question now is: Is it possible to just glue the grating in front of the module? Or what would be the correct way to assemble these two parts together?

Concrete example: Can I buy one of these:
Focusable Waterproof Car Red 660nm 200mw Laser Lazer Line Module Diode Locator - Buy Laser Module,Red Laser,Laser Diode Product on Alibaba.com

And find a grating to attach to it?

Or do you know any suppliers that make "custom" modules, and can provide me a waterproof/weathersealed module able to project a grid?

Additional requirements (not set in stone at this stage, but preferable):
- Battery operated
- Able to function below freezing temperatures
- Able to sustain operation for more than 10 minutes continuously
- On /off switch (not one where you have to hold a button pressed)

Best regards,
Boulder (Norway)

If you can buy or assemble a laser from standard parts then this lens might work, it just screws on over a standard single or 3 element glass lens that fits the usual 12mm modules.
Grid lens kit for 12x30mm AixiZ modules, AixiZ
Sorry I can't help with the waterproof part, hopefully someone else will have an answer.

Alan

Pi R Squared said:

If you can buy or assemble a laser from standard parts then this lens might work, it just screws on over a standard single or 3 element glass lens that fits the usual 12mm modules.
Grid lens kit for 12x30mm AixiZ modules, AixiZ
Sorry I can't help with the waterproof part, hopefully someone else will have an answer.

Alan

Click to expand...

Thank you Alan. I will look into this alternative. Since it is just a piece of glass and a holder, do you think I could just attach it in another way (glue?) to the front of a waterproof module? Or is the distances / alignment involved critical?

In a similar thread i found this very concrete suggestion:

Justin said:

You can use any cross generating laser and a diffraction grating to create a very large grid with many rows. Ex. A Brightline cross gen from Lasaerglow and a megamatrix diffraction grating from novalasers will get you a solid grid pattern with dozens of rows and columns made of clear, focusable lines.

Click to expand...

What would the resulting grid roughly look like from something like this? Sound quite similar to what I am trying to do?

Note: The grid does not have to be perfectly square, nor does it need to have a defined "frame" as the picture I posted above. Leakage or repetition to the sides is fine, as long as it is brightest in the central area.

Boulder said:

Thank you Alan. I will look into this alternative. Since it is just a piece of glass and a holder, do you think I could just attach it in another way (glue?) to the front of a waterproof module? Or is the distances / alignment involved critical?

Click to expand...

I think it has to be directly on the front of the lens.

Boulder said:

In a similar thread i found this very concrete suggestion:



What would the resulting grid roughly look like from something like this? Sound quite similar to what I am trying to do?

Note: The grid does not have to be perfectly square, nor does it need to have a defined "frame" as the picture I posted above. Leakage or repetition to the sides is fine, as long as it is brightest in the central area.

Click to expand...

That sounds interesting, I was not aware of that, it's worth a try.

Alan