My First DIY Laser!

I have successfully built my first DIY laser! Blew the first diode (a little 8x).
Second diode is an 18x open-can and it is so far working great at 220mA.
Probably could go higher on the current but I want this one to last at least
until I can get another diode or two. ;D

I have a question for anyone with the answer. I read on the following thread
that opening the aperture on the back of the lens will increase power.

http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1205873943/20

Is this something worth doing or will I most likely just destroy my lens trying?

You won't notice a significant increase in the output. This is more for the 405nm and for those of us obsessed with squeezing 2 more milliwatts out of our diodes. :-[

Peace,
dave

Cool, thanks!

I won't risk damaging it then.

One more question about lenses. Is it worth getting a glass lens?
I am using the Sure module so I don't even know if a glass lens is
available for it. Will the Aixiz glass lens fit the sure module?

Galdor said:

Cool, thanks!

I won't risk damaging it then.

One more question about lenses. Is it worth getting a glass lens?
I am using the Sure module so I don't even know if a glass lens is
available for it. Will the Aixiz glass lens fit the sure module?

Click to expand...

Getting a glass lens will give you a bigger "kick" than opening up the back of an acrylic. The glass lens is specifically coated to transmit more red light. The AixiZ glass lens (available on ebay) will fit your Sure module.

Peace,
dave

Great! Looks like I may be ordering a glass lens.

Thanks!

The glass lens are available here also.

Thanks moond0ggie. I will check it out.