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Optic to turn a laser beam into a wide oval?

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Illuminum3415

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Not sure if this is posted in the right section.

I'm looking at the prospects of turning a green laser pointer [~75mw] into a laser level for pavement leveling. Is there a way I can "expand" the laser beam into a wide oval of sorts that can project the laser beam across a flat surface so I can see where the holes needing extra grade are?

The thought of making an optic + laser carrier sounds challenging, but even more challenging is locating a third party optic to defocus lasers into a plane.

Why would I want to do this? Assuming the surface materials contain no reflecting objects, it appeared as an elegant logistics solution for grading areas that need to be not only flat, but level while saving money. Thanks :)
 





Tech_Junkie

Tech_Junkie

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What you need is a 445nm laser. Defocused the spot looks like rounded rectangle.

Anode-Cathodeshadowfrom445nm.jpg


It would be difficult to mount optics on your laser to create the desired effect.
 
Toke

Toke

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Seconded,

I have just been dismantling some greens and discovered that:
1) Adjusting the lens makes very little difference, something like 1'' dot at 10'.
2) The tread used is not 9mm fine, but some variations of "Belgian waffle iron hinge tread".
 
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Illuminum3415

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Cyparagon said:
Will a laser level work?
Click to expand...

Sure it would, but my usage does not justify its investment. I was merely attempting to use my newly acquired Opto-75 on other constructive uses when I'm not pointing at stars

Tech_Junkie, so this is more of a wavelength issue? Given the information on this forum with regards to 445nm lasers tends to shift towards burning stuff, if I was to use it to grade an outdoor surface where long grass may encroach is vicinity...it would seem somewhat hazardous.
 
S

steve001

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Illuminum3415 said:
Not sure if this is posted in the right section.

I'm looking at the prospects of turning a green laser pointer [~75mw] into a laser level for pavement leveling. Is there a way I can "expand" the laser beam into a wide oval of sorts that can project the laser beam across a flat surface so I can see where the holes needing extra grade are?

The thought of making an optic + laser carrier sounds challenging, but even more challenging is locating a third party optic to defocus lasers into a plane.

Why would I want to do this? Assuming the surface materials contain no reflecting objects, it appeared as an elegant logistics solution for grading areas that need to be not only flat, but level while saving money. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

An anamorphic lens should do the trick and yes you've posted in the right section. Scratch that. What you need is a cylindrical lens or rod lens
 
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Hemlock_Mike

Hemlock_Mike

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Some vendors have red modules which produce a line. It has a type of rod lens as steve mentioned. You might be able to add that little lens to your green or simply find a small glass rod to glue in front of the beam.

HMike
 
lazeerer

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I would not use a Green laser for the purpose you want it for. If you drop it bump it etc against anything you will most likely damage the Aliment of the Crystal, Kill the diode etc.

I would stick with a Red laser or since your looking for an oval like shape i would go with what TJ said.

TJ, Welcome back.:) Did you ever get a chance to read my PM a wail back buddy.:)
 
Bionic-Badger

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A better solution is to get a motor with a hex mirror and have it generate the line that way. That way you get a line that is the same size regardless of the lens, and don't need weird optics.

You can find such motors/hex mirrors in laser printers and such, but an easier way to get them is at a surplus place like surplus shed. Here's one for $10. The pin-out for the motor can be found here.
 
Tech_Junkie

Tech_Junkie

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Illuminum3415 said:
STech_Junkie, so this is more of a wavelength issue? Given the information on this forum with regards to 445nm lasers tends to shift towards burning stuff, if I was to use it to grade an outdoor surface where long grass may encroach is vicinity...it would seem somewhat hazardous.
Click to expand...

Its actually the diode, not wavelength. 445nm diodes are multimode, so they do not produce a round dot. You can get red too, but it wont be as bright as the blue. Also the laser is defocused so no issues of burning things. To burn you need to focus it in a tight dot.

lazeerer said:
TJ, Welcome back.:) Did you ever get a chance to read my PM a wail back buddy.:)
Click to expand...

Thanks man. I dont think I got it, because there is nothing in my inbox.
 
millirad

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Yeah, I think the Aixis $5.00 solution that was mentioned is probably your cheapest/easiest way to get what you want. I have been happy with the line generator optics for red that I purchased from them.

@T_J good to see we have troll protection back in place. :)
 
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Illuminum3415

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I do have access to small glass rods, but they are tubular rather than solid. Something also tells me a decent pair of safety glasses is warranted beyond this point :eek:
 
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