495nm Leadlight

[RA_pierce]

I managed to snag one of these new 495nm diodes (thanks!).

Here is my chrome Leadlight pen (of course) built with this diode.

• G lens
• Flexdrive

I didn't bother setting the current because I wanted to fire it up right away. It's somewhere in the low range for the Flexdrive, between 65-100mA, and I estimate the output is about 50mW.

For the module, I tried something new: I used double-sided tape instead of epoxy to place the switch assembly. This is 1) faster, 2) easier, and c) not permanent in case I need to make adjustments.

I sacrificed my M462 for the driver.
I have a couple old broken drivers I attempted to fix but I couldn't get them to behave properly. It was worth it. I think I'll replace that wavelength with a 450nm single-mode. While I'm discussing considerations for my collection... I have what I hope is a pretty special 532nm module coming, I'm thinking of what I want from a 405nm pen, and I may try to add 593.5nm.
What wavelengths and features are most important in your collection?


The color is awesome. Even people that aren't nerds agree.
It's been described as "cerulean" and "turquoise." I'd say it depends on the lighting conditions. It looks greener in the dark than in the light for some reason. It's pretty remarkable how difficult it is to decide what color it is. I really like it.

I'll take it outside for photos another night. Featured in these photos: 495 50mW, 508 30mW, 638 200mW.

 

[badboybilly]

Nice mate!

 

[brucemir]

That really is a beautiful color. Great build

 

[BobMc]

Very nice! Well done! That picture you have of the three beams is very impressive, color combo is great. :drool:

+reps

 

[BowtieGuy]

Very cool leadlight build, RA! :beer:
Glad to see that the "penmaster" is building again!
I agree with Bob, those pics showing your three chrome leadlight pens and the trio of rainbow beams are se×y as hell.
:gj:

 

[Fruits]

I’m inlove with 495nm. Beautiful WL. :drool:

 

[18LJ]

So uhm where are all these 495 diodes coming from? Is someone here linked with a sharp distributor? Does someone have credetials or a job that qualify to get engineering samples or development packs? Ive found that german site lasertack to sell them for too much money and its really irritating me that these new diodes will mysteriously pop up here and there every now and then and get traded between members that are friends on here and they in turn drip drop them out here and there presumably when they wanna make a few bucks. Theres no problem with that. What my problem is that we all know these exist and we all want them soo supply and demand have some sort of obstacle in between and im really curious what that is. If its on the manufacturer side or distributor end no big deal, but i would be pretty upset and really dissapointed to find someone here has a legit connect to buy/sell these and is humphry bogartin' these or some other scenario where the lack of these diodes is on account of someone bein greedy or selfishness. Im not suggesting thats the issue and it would be uncharacteristic for lpf to find out otherwise im just wanting to know what the holdup is. I understand economics and limited production runs and engineering batches or a lot of diodes turned out unique cuz of a glitch or error making the crystal or bonding to the substrate or watever. Insight anyone?

 

[RA_pierce]

Thanks everyone for the comments!

@18LJ
Nice text brick.
I don’t know where these come from or how to get them. I got mine because another member had a spare for sale.
The supply is limited probably due to few consumer applications. More may show up but you’ll have to talk to the people that got batches of these for more info. I would expect some secrecy about the sources, though.
That may be due to protecting the source and also a profit motive.
So what do you think of my laser? This thread is all about me and I’m a narcissist so I would appreciate it if you would give me the praise I am due*.

*Calm down, it’s a joke.

 

[paul1598419]

Very nice build, Pierce. I have had the enjoyment of measuring the wavelengths on several of these diodes and also the privilege to build a few using this diode too. I recognize that particular diode originated from Singlemode Laser, but you may have gotten it from a third party. It is an amazing color as I called my 493nm build right on the edge between blue and green.

I would rep you for this beautiful build, but I did so yesterday, so cannot rep you again. :yh:

 

[evans965]

The build looks awsome the color is so nice i cant wait to build mine im waiting on a driver and a host then i can start the build good work.

 

[paul1598419]

Which driver did you get for this diode? I have built a few now and more on the way. Always interested in what other members are using.

 

[RA_pierce]

I would rep you for this beautiful build, but I did so yesterday, so cannot rep you again. :yh:

No problem. I don't usually pay attention to rep anyway.
I appreciate the comment.

The build looks awsome the color is so nice i cant wait to build mine im waiting on a driver and a host then i can start the build good work.

Thanks. You'll love it.
I, too would be interested to know what driver you're using.

 

[paul1598419]

Thanks, Pierce. And good luck on your build, Evan.

 

[evans965]

Thanx paul.

 

[Pman]

Beautiful color and I do love me some pens. Sure would go swell with my pen collection especially in a headlight host!
Does anyone have headlight hosts to actually sell? How much are these diodes? I could use some pm info on the leadlight and diodes I honestly don't have a clue what's what anymore. I kind of get the feeling that the 495nm is the one diode that has come along that is actually different enough to stand out from my 473+ or <515 units.
Does it look weird that I have almost 4400 posts with such a low rep?
I just realized that you don't have one Bow so they must be really expensive or rare.

 

[paul1598419]

Hello, Pete. I have seen and measured the wavelength, Vf, current, and optical powers of many of these diodes and have a 493nm build of my own. There aren't many available at the moment, but my sources say there will be after the Chinese New Year. Mine looks to me to be right on the edge of blue and green. All of these Sharp single mode diodes can be powered to over 100 mW of optical power. If you have questions, I am one of the best sources of information about them. That is only because I have seen so many and have the equipment necessary to measure all these specs. It would be my pleasure to help you with these diodes if you would like that.