Few questions on 445nm diodes + lenses

Hello, I'm considering making my own laser host with a few exchangeable head units. I wanted to make my own laser holder and lens focusing system. The lens that comes on the casio projector that these 445nm diodes are found in, how good is this compared to the 445/405 coated glass lenses for the axis modules? I was considering just taking one of the casio ones and machining the focusing head around it, given the lens is decent.

I was also considering making a 2nd head unit ( screws on and simply connects to the body where the battery is, contains driver+laser+optics ) to combine 2 lasers into one. Seeing the fact I have CNC uce to my disposal if needed, It wouldnt be hard making the lasers in line and having perfect 45-angle mirrors/optics to bounce off of. Does an optic exist to combine 2 incoming angles and spit it out 1 way, like a T? Whats your thoughts on this head unit in a whole, worth a shot or not worth the time?

Final question: Whats the dimensions of a Flex-Drive? Assuming this is still one of the good ones to use ( its been > 1-2 years since I've done lasers ). I'm not looking to buy one due to cash issues but having dimensions is all I need.

1) lenses, i dunno...not hard to look up, use the integrated Google search at the bottom of the page

2) if you are using 2 different colors of lasers, you can get pass/reflect mirrors to your specifications... i.e. if you are combining a red and a green (which would make yellow, which is always cool), you would need a pass green/reflect red mirror, or vice versa. for this setup, you would have the 2 modules at 90 degree angles in a "T", facing at the mirror, which would need to be at 45 degrees.

if you are combining two of the same diodes, you can just use a combination of prisms and mirrors. for more info on that, check out this thread.

3) for dimensions of flex drives, again use the google search at the bottom of the page.

good luck with your build, it sounds awesome!

I just posted a study comparing the various commonly available lenses (including the one that comes with the 9mm 445 diode, not sure if this is the 'Kasio' one you're referring to). See here:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/g9-vs-g2-vs-3-element-vs-acrylic-study-85334.html


Also, a flexdrive is 9x12mm. Just search google for the datasheet.

http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/MicroFlexDrive_V5_manual.pdf

-Andy

Guys, don't use the "C" word. refer to them as Kasio or ca$io, or something. please edit posts to change this, that company has gotten mad at LPF before just for using their name. silly, I know

"they said our company name?!?!? how dare they!!"

spells it with a "k"

"ah, that isn't OUR company, must be some other company."