Recommended Lens for 405nm

Hey guys, I'm working on fixing me up a 405nm machine. I'm a virgin 405nm user, so I'm doing my research. Right now I'm looking for the optimal lenses (preferably housed) with the most amount of light transmission efficiency. The popular lens seems to be the Aixiz lenses, but I'm looking for something a little bit better. What have you guys found to be a good lens setup with good transmission efficiency?

I have a 405-G-1 glass lens modification fit for AixiZ modules that gives the most increase in power for blu-ray...

Here are some lens/power comparisons for several different lenses using red and blu-ray:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f49/power-comparisons-different-lenses-red-blu-ray-33965.html

Here are some comments on my 405-G-1 glass lens mod:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-405-g-1-glass-lens-mod-26-28-increase-vs-aixiz-22497-19.html

search jayrob or larryDFW, they seem to have the best glass lenses around these parts, the stock aixiz lenses are acrylic. It's a significant power increase.

whoops you beat me to it didn't you.:yh:

Axiz also makes a BLU-RAY lens that is about $15.00 if I remember correctly and it has a real good beam pattern...

Peace All Pyro...

Yes, the AixiZ 405 glass lens will give a 5% increase in power for blu-ray vs AixiZ acrylic. (back opened)

This comparison is listed in my lens and power comparison thread linked above.

405-G-1 = 26% increase...

Excellent information and tips, gents. Thank you much. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. I've been roaming the 405nm forum quite a bit.

Jayrob-I'll keep you in mind as a resource. You seem to know your stuff pretty well.

Well if I don't know... I know who to ask!

ryrob;

Lens and housing selection depends on your requirements.

A quality aspheric glass lens is required, but it can be AR for Blu-Ray or broadband coated for Blu-Ray thru Red wavelengths.

The housing threads will determine the ability to hold the focus point of the lens.

Machined 3A threads will give the best results.

Flaminpyro tested 5 Lenses in this 8/02/09 thread :
Link - Five Lens Assembly Comparison Test

Be careful with your first diode, as they are sensitive to static and current pulses.

LarryDFW

Just for the record, Larry's and my lens is the same optic...

Just mounted different. Larry has a custom machined nut from MISTERWILLING. I use a custom fitted AixiZ brass nut. The biggest difference, is that his are glued in, and mine are held in place with a sleeve: (I do the machine work)



But the output power is the same. FrancoRob told Igor and I that he repeated test comparisons and got a mW or two more with one, and then the same difference with the other on the next test. So it's just a matter of testing conditions.

Just for the record... (And for an accurate statement)

If you go with an 8X or 12X blu-ray build, this lens is a must have. Most will want it even with a 6X build. (acrylic will degrade with blu-ray at higher powers)

See FrancoRob's compilation graph of all known LPF 8X owners and what lenses they are using to achieve the power shown:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f38/8x-br-diodes-42806.html

Also, broadband coatings are good. Meredith has gone to a broadband coating. But if you want the most out of blu-ray, and the most out of red, then a lens made specifically for that wavelength is the best choice.

That's why I have my 405-G-1 glass lens for blu-ray, and my upcoming 650-G-1 glass lens for red. Which is not only a different coating (600nm to 1050nm), but different optical specs all together. (not just the same lens with a different coating) It is the same output power and beam profile as the 'optimized for red' glass lenses that Meredith has discontinued. (because they went to a broadband lens)

Keep us updated on that 650 G-1 lens! It would go great with my high powered red build!

Will do...

But I still have a few of the optimized for red Meredith lenses.

The only reason I found a replacement, is that Meredith is no longer selling that one. They went to their broadband lens.

My new 650-G-1 will be the same power and beam profile as the optimized for red Meredith's shown here: (modification fit for AixiZ - 20% increase for red)
http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/fs-meredith-glass-lenses-fit-aixiz-20-red-22501.html