First Lab Laser Build

Oooo nice, Let us know what you end up doing!

Okay, one more idea just crossed my mind...
I have a 445nm, but the 473nm beam does look pretty spectacular...
Will post updated build videos on my YouTube channel...

Looks pretty sweet! I hope it goes well. If you need a cheap burning diode, check out your local computer repair shops. Ask for a broken DVD Burner. I have gotten a few diodes that way.
Can't wait to see it up and running! op:

Not a freaking bad idea Fretwrecker...
Lots of pawn shops that may have some decent scrap...
Good angle...
I wanna basically get the highest heat sinking possible so that I wont be limited as far as heat generation due to power...
Also thinking that a "rig" in the hole where the diode module sits could act as a "port" for different diode modules to "fit" into...
I could have different drivers for the different modules depending on wavelength and power already set up in or on the PSU itself. These drivers could be attached in such a way that I could flip one of a series of labeled switches (one green 400mw, one red 200mw, etcetera) that corresponds with that specific driver so that changing diodes and drivers would be as easy as plugging in, flipping a switch, and whoohoo coherent light time!
Whaddaya think?

cstephenhopkins said:

Not a freaking bad idea Fretwrecker...
Lots of pawn shops that may have some decent scrap...
Good angle...
I wanna basically get the highest heat sinking possible so that I wont be limited as far as heat generation due to power...
Also thinking that a "rig" in the hole where the diode module sits could act as a "port" for different diode modules to "fit" into...
I could have different drivers for the different modules depending on wavelength and power already set up in or on the PSU itself. These drivers could be attached in such a way that I could flip one of a series of labeled switches (one green 400mw, one red 200mw, etcetera) that corresponds with that specific driver so that changing diodes and drivers would be as easy as plugging in, flipping a switch, and whoohoo coherent light time!
Whaddaya think?

Click to expand...

I've never seen or heard of doing that on a lab unit, sounds very feasible. you mentioned the 445 diode and a 473. I would go with the 445, you can push it up to 2W in some cases. Also a 473 is a DPSS unit and would not be a direct diode.

Word up Joe...
473nm at 2W does sound pretty freakin' fantastic...
With this heatsink setup I could run it till the cows come home, or until they are frightened away by the bright lights!!!
Saw one on ebay in a module for 59.99!!! It's an M140...
:lasergun:

cstephenhopkins said:

Word up Joe...
473nm at 2W does sound pretty freakin' fantastic...
With this heatsink setup I could run it till the cows come home, or until they are frightened away by the bright lights!!!
Saw one on ebay in a module for 59.99!!! It's an M140...
:lasergun:

Click to expand...

YEP! that seems about right 59.99$ BUT you can get a nice Binned m140 I think on this forum for cheaper. That way you know you're getting a diode that can hit 2W+, I think 445's are 49.99 here, which are usually guaranteed to hit 1.5-1.7 watts! hit up DTR and rhd. I can't remember who sells them. Also check out Cajunlasers Store I know clif has some 12mm axis nichia 445's for like 50$ in the module with axiz glass lens. ( I used clif's store as a link because it is winthin the US which for some reason I assume you are.) also he ships SUPER fast ( I got a laser from him in 25 hours after clicking the submit order button)

Well I just bought 2 modules from cajunlasers...
Once they get here I will drill the hole in the heat sink, plan out a "sleeve" system for the easy exchange of the modules, then decide on two diodes...
1 650nm ~300mW
1 445nm ~2W
Then I will get/construct the appropriate drivers...
I think that these steps in this order are the most appropriate course of action...
That and I want to split up/limit my purchases so my wife doesn't kill me...
HA!
Time to have a beer!
:friend:

Hah! Let us know how you thermally connect the diode module to the heat sink fins, this will be important for thermal transfer. What would be the best way to do it? Thermal glue+ slide module in hole?

No way on that last one Joe, I figure if I do that the glue will bunch up between the panels... Besides I don't wanna glue the diode into the heatsink because if something goes wrong with the diode it will be damn near impossible to get it out of there and repair...
I wanna thermal glue a "Sleeve" into the heatsink, I figure I will feed it into the hole, I leave a little space and use my "holders" to hold it steady in the center while I "inject" thermal glue between the panels and directly onto the sleeve from there. Once the sleeve is secured it would be as simple as applying a little thermal compound each time you want to exchange the module for another in the sleeve. I have to get the guys at the machine shop to make one if I can't find a suitable thin copper tube of sufficient diameter. Chances are a home depot or lowes will have what I need...
My final "functional" query is into how the diodes will fit securely in the sleeve...
I'm thinking of four different ways: The diode could screw into the sleeve, it could slide into the sleeve tightly, perhaps a mechanism where it clicks into place, and finally the sleeve itself could have threads on the outside surface that protrude from both sides of the heatsink about 3-5mm and nuts that tighten the module into place...
:thinking:

I like the sleeve idea. alot of people use a set screw. and I guess more use press-fit heatsinks and modules(sleeves) I think that would be more than enough if you press a sleeve into the heatsink somehow. I don't have any experience with this, I'm just regurgitating things I have read/seen on this board

take a look at this. Get something like this, it fits the 445 nichia diode and it's got an Axiz lens with focus adapter. http://www.cajunlasers.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=2

you'll want to use a glass lens if you're planning to get big numbers with that diode. Thats if you want to use the 445nm in the first place.

Good call on the set screw idea Joe, and I may use it, but the panels are so thin, I would have to separate or bend them out of shape to "shove" the wider set screw in between them (CORRECTION... I could put set screws at both ends of the sleeve, outside the heatsink, that is, the sleeve will protrude from both sides of the heatsink about 5mm? The screws go there?...)
I'm thinkin' maybe when I get the modules I'll go to home depot and just find a thin copper tube that they both "just fit" into with a mild shove, that way the thermal compound "grease-down" will be so useful; because it's always good to use anyways and it will help make a good fit, with all space filled, and snug, when exchanging the modules...
I will have two backup standard 3 element glass lenses coated for 405-445nm when my new Survival Laser diode comes...
The modules I bought each come with an acrylic lenses for red, so I will have one and a backup...
Two blank modules will be arriving 2/13!!!
Will drill heatsink hole and upload video to the YouTube this weekend.
Also this weekend, shopping for two diodes...
Shopping only, no purchases yet...
I'm still waiting on my 400mW 532nm Viasho handheld and my replacement Survival Laser 445nm ~1w diode to arrive!!!
Once final decisions on diodes are made I will order them and build the drivers while they ship...
Then just bring it all together...
Man plans right? God laughs? Isn't that how it goes?


Drilled the hole in the heatsink!!!