Building 473nm Laser - Need TEC Supplier!

viroy · Nov 22, 2008

I am planning on building my own 473nm module.
I can get a hold of the crystals and an 808nm diode... but I dont know where to get a TEC module.
I was thinking of taking apart some green ones, but if I could find blanks, that would be better.
I have never built one of these before... so if anyone with experience could lend a hand, I would be very grateful.

Here is the crystal set:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130270133913

I wrote him and I believe he said a 2w 808nm diode would produce >500mw 473nm.
Would this be all I need?... other than a module with collimator, an 808nm diode and a driver.
Where can I get a module?

Thanks in advance!

billg519 · Nov 22, 2008

These must be the most efficient 473nm crystals going if they give 500mw from 2w of 808. Normally, blue dpss 473 nm conversion efficiency is very low, on the order of a few percent. "snoctony" seems to be a good seller, I like his 2w 808nm c-mounts, but you might want to look into these crystals more concerning maximum pump power and true expected 473nm output.

TEC modules are usually available on e-bay, I even won an auction for a bag of c-mount sized ones once.
Usually, there are only larger ones available, suitable for a labby no problem. I got some 96w ones to stick under diode bars when testing.

LRMNmeyer · Nov 22, 2008

He posted the exact same thing in the blue laser section, and I gave him almost the same reply you did. ;D

viroy · Nov 22, 2008

lol ya sorry I posted there then realized a different section was already dedicated to color lasers.

Bill - Do those modules go by any other name than just "TEC"? I searched but found none.

Switch · Nov 22, 2008

viroy said:
lol ya sorry I posted there then realized a different section was already dedicated to color lasers.

Bill - Do those modules go by any other name than just "TEC"? I searched but found none.

TEC , peltier, thermoelectric cooler :-/

Those crystals seem tiny.You should look into it before blasting them with 2W. :-/ Also the TEC should be driven specifically, maybe with feedback from a thermal couple.And, is that a YAG or an YVO[sub]4[/sub] ?

ElektroFreak · Nov 22, 2008

Switch said:
And, is that a YAG or an YVO[sub]4[/sub] ?

His ebay listing says YAG, but I've never heard of a cube-shaped YAG crystal. Always round and cylindrical... :-?

billg519 · Nov 22, 2008

I just checked ebay and found tec modules from 45 to 400 watts. Some come in 10 packs. There seem to be fewer than usual. There were at least 5x as many last time I looked a few months ago.

Things · Nov 24, 2008

I dont think YAG or YVO4 is used in blue lasers. For lasers, you only need a really tiny TEC. It doesnt take much to keep them cool. Good luck!

GooeyGus · Nov 25, 2008

Blue lasers use ND:YAG as well as (most commonly) LBO or BBO.

BBO is usually used in pointers and can only make up to around 250mW (but usually MUCH less, due to the sensitivity of this crystal) , LBO (there are actually two classes) class one is usually used in lasers up to 300mW or so and likes to be at around room temp, class two it used for much higher powers, up to 800mW, and is usually heated up a bit.

YAG's primary lasing line is 1064, doubling this makes 532 (the green lasers we all know and love) but like most lasing mediums, it has a few weaker lines as well. One of the lasing lines of nd:yag is 946nm, which is then doubled via NLO such as LBO, BiBO, etc etc to make 473nm light.

TEC's are easy to find, what is going to be more of an issue is CONTROLLING that TEC. I would search for a PID temp controller for your tec. It controls temp via thermocouple and a solid state relay to your power supply.

viroy · Nov 27, 2008

hmm maybe im not referring to the right thing. I dont need the cooling plate itself...
I need a module to put all the crystals into. you know how an aixiz module fits a 5mm diode...
What do you put all the 473nm crystals and a 808nm diode into? thats the module i need.

ElektroFreak · Nov 27, 2008

There isn't really a "module" suitable for building homemade DPSS lasers. You're pretty much left with designing your own.

I'll refer you to Sam's Laser FAQ. This section (http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasercds.htm#cdstoc) covers how to build your own DPSS laser. It's chock full of great ideas for the construction and housing of DPSS lasers. Mostly they talk about green laser, but blue works the same way. When they start talking about KTP, they are talking about LBO in blue lasers. Sound complicated? It is, but with Sam as a guide, you'll get there.

Good luck!!

GooeyGus · Nov 27, 2008

Like Elektro said, there are no pre-made 'housings' for DIY dpss lasers. You're pretty much on your own as far as mounting and aligning your crystals/diode.

viroy · Nov 28, 2008

awww
well I plan on building my own CNC soon, already have the controllers

Maybe ill have to start making and selling those?

ElektroFreak · Nov 28, 2008

I know several people who have taken a large CPU heatsink, flipped it upside down and mounted TECs to the flat side which in turn held the diode and the crystals. Of course they still had to fabricate some parts themselves, but the heatsink works great. Then all you have to worry about is making a cover to go over the whole thing with an aperture in it where the beam exits.

diachi · Nov 28, 2008

ElektroFreak said:
I know several people who have taken a large CPU heatsink, flipped it upside down and mounted TECs to the flat side which in turn held the diode and the crystals. Of course they still had to fabricate some parts themselves, but the heatsink works great. Then all you have to worry about is making a cover to go over the whole thing with an aperture in it where the beam exits.

I actually did that with one of my greens, it worked great, though I turned the TEC down because at full power it made the module too cold and caused it to stop lasing.

Of course that was a ready made module, but the heatsink worked great. If you are using it for a blue with a large pump diode you should also put a fan on the heatsink just so the heat can be dissipated more effectively.

-Adam

john_lawson · Nov 28, 2008

yea here we go its kinda long though 14 inches

Building 473nm Laser - Need TEC Supplier!

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