How to make a laser?

Hi, i am new to this site! I am also new to lasers... I need some help on constructing a laser, i can solder and make anything but i just need the knowledge on how to build one. I know the basics like you need a laser driver and obviously a laser diode and a battery but what kind of battery. I want to make a 200mw laser and i was thinking as i was a beginner i thought this would be a fun easy thing to do:
Laser Lighter Kit Ver 1.0

The link is a 150mw laser which you construct yourself in a lighter. I could get this or build myself for cheaper, or is that not possible? If you think that is too expensive the link above and is not worth the money then please say!

If i do make my own laser what kind of driver do i need and how to get the right one for the right power laser? As i am a beginner please reply back in simple words. If there are links you can direct to me please do.

Thanks so much!

P.S Sorry if i wrote this thread in the wrong section

The first thing you should do is read around in the tutorial section. And search. Most secondary Batteries are 3.7V, the different sizes are the physical size and usually the bigger they are the higher the capacity. (This applies to the sizes like 18650 10440 14500., etc.) The sizes like rechargeable AAA or AA are usually ~.3 less than their primary versions.

Choosing the driver is dependent on the diode being ran and what and how many batteries.

Linear drivers drop off voltage if there is too much. They only or drop voltage by dissipating excess into heat. These are Groove2, and Rckstr (Sp?).

Boost drivers boost battery voltage by drawing more current. Such as the Micro BoostDrive.

Buck and Boost drivers do both. The only one that does this so far is the Micro FlexDrive.

Also, KipKay isn't liked around here because of his lack of safety and improperly educating people with how to make lasers. A lighter isn't a good host at all as well.

You can get a much better laser for much less.

ok, thank you so much for your help! Greatly apreciated. Is there a link to another kit that you know of? I don't really want to buy everything seperatly as i don't want to forget anything.

Thanks

Hi, and welcome to LPF! :wave:

Definitely do not buy that kit!!! It is way over-priced and will not do what you are after for any length of time. Not to mention it is an unsafe application for what is inherently an unsafe component. It is arguable that it shouldn't be made at all. Pretend you never saw it for now! Ha... !

Here's some great starter kits -

http://odicforce.com/shop/category_13/Laser-Hosts-and-Laser-Kits.html?shop_param=cid=&

I'd go for the third one down and get yourself a LPC-815 diode and some batteries etc. All in one kit there. Check out the reviews section as there are a few around on these kits.


For building your own, have a look at the guides in my sig. They should give you a good idea of what to look for and research. Do some/plenty of reading, and make some decisions on what you would like to build... I.e. a labby, (laboratory, non-portable); a single lio-ion battery handheld... etc. These decisions will eventually determine exactly what parts you will need. Rip open those old DVD writers to get an idea of the size and how to handle laser diodes and how to identify pins, etc. You may be lucky and get a good powered red but plenty of people sell diodes on here. I'll let you research the following diodes but I'd recommend starting with an LOC, (LPC-815 sled diode), then maybe a PHR-803T sled diode, (bluray), and move up from there. Please don't go for high powered IR diodes from Ebay, and also don't be tempted to go for the a 445nm diode until you have a few lasers under your belt; they are much too much for starters IMO.

One of the first things you need to add to your tool box though is eye protection. These come in a variety of levels of protection and are wavelength specific so you need to match them to your laser of choice. There are multiline goggles out there; more pricey; but you need to see some figures to make an informed purchase.

Other than that, have fun and post some pics of your build when done!


Just a note on drivers there Toaster, (good post BTW), linear drivers don't, 'buck', the voltage. They dissipate it as heat rather than converting it to a lower voltage, which is what happens in a real, 'buck', driver. This is one reason why they are more efficient than linear drivers; they use as much of the power as they can. That's why they're called either, 'linear', drivers or, 'buck', drivers. Two different animals.

[EDIT: Toaster has now edited his post to appear like he knew this all along. Should've just left it, 'as was', and learnt for the future.]

M

Sorry yeah. Same end result, different process. I knew he hadn't read anything. And I was really tired, just woke up. I will change that.

For 49.99 you can get a 200mw red adjustable focus (burning) from o-like. Flashlight hosts are much more practical than a bic shell. I doubt that it would light a cig. For building you need a good host like one from jayrob or mohrenberg, a diode from Modwerx stonetek or hightechdealz, and a driver like Toaster described. Lots of patience and practice or a must too. Good luck and be safe!

^The kit mentioned from Odicforce will easily be good enough for 200mW, (plus a bit with an efficient diode). It's doubtful a ~200mW, 650nm diode will light cigarettes effectively anyway, although it is possible, but I don't think that's what the OP is specifically after here, (and I would not recommend it anyway), that kit just appealed I suspect.

For a first 200mW build that kit is just fine. No heat issues, no power issues, and all is purchased at one time with full assembly instructions. The OP wants to build his own remember, not buy a preassembled one.

Good luck.

M


P.S. You shouldn't edit your posts to appear more knowledgeable, Toaster. It's not the same end result at all.

Who's site is that? A 5mW 405nm pen laser for $99?!?!!?

You can buy them on ebay for around $10.

Edit: Ah, Kipkay. Should have known.

^ I hope the OP takes the better advice here, I_F...

(Drop me a PM as I have tried but...)

M

Yeah everything on that site is a rip off.

I'm sure Kipkay will be on TV soon. :yabbem: He has one of the lowest reputations on here. The man has no business selling, or making lasers, or laser devices.

:O THANKS sooo much everyone ecspecially Morgan, i am shocked on how much time you must of done to help me I am very happy. I think that the kit that you suggested looks very good for a beginner like me! I will most likely get it in a month and i will post pics of the finished results also thank you for making that extra thread on how to make a laser in your sig... Very useful!

I will be wanting to make a hand held laser which is red 200mw or so. What batteries would you suggest and if you know a good link to a laser diode then please say.. At the moment i am searching but if i find one i will see if it is ok for the kit. Sorry if i look really stupid, it is just i have never really looked into how to make laser untill 2 days ago.

Thank you soo much again for you help. This site is AMAZING!

EDIT:I have searched lots for a red diode which will suite this kit that you suggested and havent found one... I was wondering if the 3rd one down on the link you gave me, it said that it needs to be red, i would prefer it to be a green laser, would this work? I have found 2 CR2 batteries for it that are rechargable for it. I just need this diode which will be good for it. It says this for the description:

Complete kit for a high-power focusing red laser except the laser diode. Use with OFL 148 laser diode to build an inexpensive 100mW laser or OFL158 to build a 300mW laser. Works with 2 x CR2 (3.0V) batteries.

It says that "Use with OFL 148 laser diode to build an inexpensive 100mW" and "OFL158 to build a 300mW laser" does this mean i have to make a 300mw or 100mw. If this is the case i would make a 300mw laser and do i need to get these kinds of diodes "OFL 148 and OFL158" or could i use the diode which you said a LOC or LPC-815. At the moment i am a bit confused. The summary: Can this kit be used with not just red lasers and can i use any type of laser diode but not a IR laser. I really need some help finding the right kind of laser diode for this kit..

I am sorry for all these questions!

Thanks again!

What nm would a 300mw or 200mw red laser be or is it more complicated than that? I was wondering what safety goggles to get...

Sorry for all these edits but will this laser diode work? http://s243333424.e-shop.info/shop/...0mW-pulsed.html?shop_param=cid=13&aid=OFL159&

also this: http://s243333424.e-shop.info/shop/...iode.html?shop_param=cid=13&aid=OFL158%2F003& i think this is the one which you thought would be good. Which one do you think i should get or do you think there is another one i should get...

Please help i need to order soon sorry for double post!

This is would i should get:
Laser Diode: http://s243333424.e-shop.info/shop/...iode.html?shop_param=cid=13&aid=OFL158%2F003&

Kit: http://odicforce.com/shop/article_O...dLXZ4qgv4UZZ2noo&shop_param=cid=1&aid=OFL255&

Batteries: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.932

Charger: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2031

The question is, will the diode and the kit work together.

Thanks!

Everything I see there looks like it would go good together. Just be careful taking the diode out of the heatsink. Also on the driver, make sure you are careful soldering.

how are you new here? your first 2 posts are from 2009 as well as your sign up date.

I once came here before to ask a question but this is the 1st time which i actually want to be part of the community .

Thanks again

well then.... a happy belated welcome!!!!! LoL.