Stupid questions from a beginner

Okay, so-- I'm looking to build a very simple laser project (I think it should be simple, anyway), essentially all that needs to happen is I need to power a diode with a momentary switch, very much in the same fashion as a regular pocket laser pointer.

Beyond the concept, this is where I am a beginner-- I need to use a 30mw green diode. Theoretically, could your regular AA/AAA battery properly power the diode without damage?

My other very basic question is about the wiring-in of the switch itself. It would seem that the diodes available on eBay are soldered onto a small PCB with a momentary switch already assembled into the unit; the project I'm making requires the switch to be separate (i.e., having a length of wire between the diode and the switch itself). That being said, would you recommend buying a raw diode? If so, where would be the best place to acquire one? I would be scared of damaging it, but could I remove the diode from the case and PCB, given that I got an eBay unit?

My apologies for how probably rudimentary these questions are, I just need to make sure I do this correctly. Thank you!

........

Get one of these with a proper LD Driver already
attached and parallel the Push Button switch with
your own remote switch...
These work off 3.0VDC...

Green laser module 50mW For custom build or lab [OLGLM50] - $26.99 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

BTW... get some Laser Safety Goggles before you
blind yourself...

Jerry

Red, IR, and Blue are a good start. IR being cheapest but not visible, Red next and very visible but wont burn, and Blue being expensive but burns well.

Click to expand...

This needs a bit more info: @ 30mV you will not be able to burn anything at all no matter which wavelength you choose (except for your eyes!! Wear googles). It is wrong to state a red laser will not burn and that a blue will, at least if it is running @ 30mW. When it comes to pricerange violet and red can be bought cheap. A blue 445 is a lot more expensice, but you will not be able to run this at 30mW.

Lighting matches and popping balloons with red or violet is no problem at all if the power output allows it, and the host is focusable.

250-300mW 650nm (red) diode can be bought for 12.99$ @ modwerx.com
100-120mW 405nm (violet) diode can be bought for 11.99$ @ modwerx.com
1W 445nm (blue) diode can be bought for 51.99$

If you want a green I can recommend the module from O-Like that was linked earlier in this thread. It has a driver (laser PSU) and all you need is a casing and the batteries. You can not hook the diode directly to the batteries. A laser diode is highly sensitive to even small fluctuations so thats why a "driver" is needed.

Remember to buy some goggles too. Of all the things the 30mW can burn, and there are few, the most important is your pair of eyes.