noob here: need advice + tips + suggestions for 30-50mW 658nm

Dear All,

first off i am a noob in laser field, but i am a qualified electrical engg.
I need a quick tips/crash course/any suggestions.

my aim is to build a portable 30mW 658nm red laser with a wide spot [ as opposed to concentrated beam, need a wide spread beam with little big diameter of about 2-3cm @ about 10 cm ].

quick Google search gave me this LPC-826 is a good diode available on ebay, This spec sheet shows that i can attain the power of 50 mW at about


so i can get the output of 50mW at about 120 ma/.5v, but i could be totally wrong in my understanding. I am also looking for driver circuit for the same.

If any one can help i would greatly appreciate it
here is what ia am trying to do

Im on my phone so I cant really provide links, but these things are easily searchable.
-lm317 DIY linear driver
-aixiz 5.6mm module to hold the diode
-glass lens, also from aixiz

Driver is simple and cheap, the module and lens will probably run you around 10$. Then its just a matter of defocusing until you get the desired beam width at the distance you need. You can buy the module and lens from the aixiz store, and the lm317 can be bought just about anywhere online. If you use the search bar at the bottom of the page and searcg "DIY lm317 driver" you will find simple wiring diagrams, and if you search goofle there are handy lm317 calculators to find the resistor needed for what current you want.

Dear CrazySpaz
thank you for your valuable input.
i did search for the terms you said, found enough info to get me started.
i will be ordering the parts in couple of day

If you have any questions, or need any help, do ask. I can't imagine you will have any problems, as something of this level is pretty straight forward. Keep us updated

Yes i think its pretty straight forward too.
I played with lm317 during my college days for some project.
will surly keep updated here.

btw have you heard of LLLT

crazyspaz said:

If you have any questions, or need any help, do ask. I can't imagine you will have any problems, as something of this level is pretty straight forward. Keep us updated

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