Adaptive Optics-Easy add on to any Hand Held

[CDBEAM777]

Concerning the possibility of a design in which corrective optics could " Modularized " and attached to the front of a typical Hand Held....as proposed by BShan... Please see this link http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/445ld-anamorphic-prisms-jayrob-diy-52334.html

Where to start about this !!! First....Do we really have an interest ????????????? From MANY members ??????

It can be done....this is for sure !!! I suppose it ALL depends on how EASY it is to do ...and what does it cost ???

First let me state that the ONLY solution for the Red P-73 with corrective optics ... in a Hand Held ...is the " Dragon's Head " design. There may be another design...but, I have not seen it. The P-73 requires Cylinderical lenses for beam correction.... and is just TOO demanding for a simple add-on approach !!!!!!

OK....BUT...that leaves correcting the new Green ( Which we MIGHT want )or the 445's....new or previous !!!

Fortunately...this can be accomplished with just a pair of Anamorphic Prisms !!! No Cylinderical Lenses needed !!! Good thing to ... as the use of Cylinderical lenses is much more demanding !!!!!! See http://laserpointerforums.com/f50/now-completed-optically-corrected-p73-hh-design-87235.html

The deal with the prisms is that we only need to be concerned about the radial alignment !!! The beam MUST hit the first prism...at a specific radial alignment. The Anamorphic prism's are not like a collimation lens...which can be rotated at many orientations !! ... and only need be focused to infinity....or for close-up applications.

Again, the Anamorphic prism's MUST be in the correct radial position. The question is...what do we have to work with....for the majority of all Hand Helds ????? Well...typically...we have the M9 x 0.5 threaded barrel of the Collimation Lens...extending out from the heat sink unit. This IS a universal condition !!

How do we build off of this for ANY Hand Held unit ???? WELL...Let's use the concept of the link above...a simple box like construct ....which captures and clamps the prisms. In this very early design...the distance of the back-side opening was sized....so that a slip fit was realized...where the box geometry delivered a friction fit...over the barrel of the O-like Collimation lens. This barrel was NOT threaded....but smooth. A small set screw was then used to secure the Box/Module to the lens.

Most collimation lenses are threaded....so let's use this !!! Add a back plate to the box....with a 9.5mm threaded bore. Then, screw the Box/Module with prism's ...on to the collimation lens barrel. Then...use a small 4-40 Allen head set screw to lock the box in place.....when the correct radial position is achieved !!

I would also add a set screw to the heat sink/unit body...to lock the collimation lens in position. I would also suggest that a very small rubber washer be placed between the prism top and the bolt-on clamping plate/top. I have cracked a few prism's with too much clamping force !!!!

As far as the correct positioning of the Anamorphic prism's within the Box/Module. There is an optimal position called " Zoof's Angle" This is known art. See post below.

The take-away is....is this something people are interested in ??????????? It is as easy as...Set the focus, Lock the Collimation lens in position, Screw the box/module Anamorphic set unit on to the collimation lens barrel, Adjust it so the correct radial position is acheived, Screw down the locking set screw....an there ya'go !!! " Optical correction ---- ToGo "

BTW... the use of the Anamorphic prism's ... for the 9mm 445's and for the new green WILL improve the Farfield down beam geometry !!! I predict it would change the beam spot...from a 23mm wide bar at 25'...to a 14mm round cornered rectangle at 45'...is it worth it ??????

What is your opinion ???? Desireable....Not necessary, How much $$$ ??? Over-the-Top ????

Lite'em Up CDBEAM=======>:san::san::san:

 

[ARG]

So you're basically talking about a focus adapter with prisms inside? I'm down for that

 

[CDBEAM777]

ARG....YES...A focus adaptor with a set of Anamorphic Prisms inside !!

Is this something many would be interested in ??????

Pop the unit on...." Set it...and Forget it " !!!!

AHhhh....and the cost.......I project about $ 90~95 USD... ????

Could be a rectangle shape....OR....a round tube shroud over the construct ?????

Optics are not cheap !!!

BTW....with AR coating....transmission loses are limited to about 4% !!!
NO free lunch eh ??? But...worth it !!!! ???

BUT.....Bar =======> Dot...... ??????

Mmmmmm....????? See attached drwg of " Zoof's prism templete "

Lite'em Up CDBEAM=======>

 

[crazyspaz]

I actually had this exact same thought about 2 weeks ago- one of the times laying in bed trying to sleep, with no luck. I have seen some very small anamorphic prisms before, and while I don't know how much they would cost or how readily available they would be, I figured it wouldn't be hard to make a cylindrical module that screws into an aixiz module. I am pretty sure it would have to be wider than 12mm, unless you found a really really small prism set...but none the less. You could even have slots milled out for the prisms, so you could epoxy them in place (probably not epoxy, but I have no idea what a good strong optical gluing compound is).


Here is a quick sketch I did just now, so don't hate on me
Yes i realize the prism slots aren't right size or orientation, but its good enough for demonstration purposes. It is threaded to fit an aixiz module, and the idea is you would for the lens in this module, then thread the whole thing onto your laser.

the outside:

And the inside:

A few problems I see are 1) getting tiny anamorphic prisms (which do exist, I have seen them for sale, I just can't remember where) and b) cost to get these things machined...

Thoughts?

EDIT: forgot to add, the total length of the module in the sketches is 1.5 inches.
Also, I found the prisms- Thorlabs. They are over 100$ a pair, but would just about fit in the module I sketched. Kind of a lot of money, but for a quick change beam correction module that can attach to any aixiz module, I say its not terrible!

Double edit: I guess it would be smart for me to post the link, huh? link becuz I be smartly

 

[IsaacT]

Very interested.

 

[CDBEAM777]

MMmmmm ???? See attached drawing. Alas...I am still stuck in the 2D world....and only dream of 3D rendering !!!

Nice drawing...but...I do not understand how the collimation lens and barrel come into play in this. ??? Very small and sleek !!! I have never seen such small Anamorphic prism units.

My source would be Welcome to Stanwax ....at $ 60.00 per set.

As my Stick drawing shows (haha)....the Collimation Lens barrel acts as the connecting piece between the Axiz module and the A-Prism Add on unit.

IMNSHO......I would use Acrylic to construct the box geometry....and that is what I did in the 2010 Jayrob Auora unit. I also used a simple black Acrylic tube....to shroud the box module....just as a matter of looks ??? Many, many ways to deliver the goodies !!!!

I like the compact version....but still do not see how the collimation lens/barrel fits into this Please explain. Thanx.

Lite'em Up CDBEAM=======>

Note: The Stanwax A-Prisms are the same size as the Thor Labs...8mm x 12.7mm x 11mm tall

Note: Not to be a jerk....but....the beam path MUST enter the Anamorphic Prisms as shown in APM-AO-V2.....that is why things are skewed to one side. The beam will travel this path....and not just straight thru.....it will take a bend as shown.

NOW.....if the Axiz module were to be off set in the heat sink.....by about 5.25 mm....( See added pic for a Guidsman host build) THEN......the prism pair could be aligned with the HH centerline. Optics are just a PITA !!!

 

[crazyspaz]

Hmm, I could easily change my model to make it so the anamorphic part threads onto an existing aixiz lens...then maybe you could set it with a set screw (to the lens), and simply adjust the focus to where its needed...in my model above, you would have to fit the collimation lens in the threaded section at the rear. Also, the module would have to have a sleeve that unscrews so you can place the prisms in.

A box would be easier, but a cylinder looks better

 

[BowtieGuy]

CDBEAM, yes, I think there would be interest in these adaptive corrective optics.
Aesthetically, I think a cylindrical unit would be the way to go, if only to compliment the various handhelds we all have.

 

[CDBEAM777]

CDBEAM, yes, I think there would be interest in these adaptive corrective optics.
Aesthetically, I think a cylindrical unit would be the way to go, if only to compliment the various handhelds we all have.

I agree that a cylindrical geometry would look much better. So...to that end...I added a 1.5" OD Tube to shroud/cover the A-Prism box construct. See attached pic. Added tube and front cover plate.

Again...many roads to go down !! The tube could black Acrylic ( as shown )....or anodized black aluminum. The deal is that the Inside box could be made to whatever dimension is needed so the tube has a slip/friction fit over the box. Tube...or tubeless...haha :beer: The tube could be epoxied in place...or some form of screw attachment ??? Dunno...Both possible.

As far as overall size goes.....Mmmmmm ???

How to shrink it down ???? Well....This COULD be done....BUT !!!! It would require that the Axiz module be off-set within the heat sink !!!! NOT the normal configuration for sure !!! This design...as it sits... would therefore appeal to the most members !!

SOOOooooo....as far as I can see...THIS is the size....fairly close to a Beam Expander unit !!...And Round !!!

MMmmmm....We can have our " Round " cake...and eat it tooo !!! Oh...add $ 20 for the for the tube and cover.....(custome size on the cover plate)....just my guess !!!

Lite'em Up CDBEAM=======>

 

[BowtieGuy]

Looks good CD, the tube is just for looks anyway. The diameter you have shown is not any bigger than many B.E.'s.
If the tube was set screwed, or something similar, you could mix and match the cover to suit your needs with various lasers.

 

[steve001]

A wedge prism would be easier to mount.
http://www.edmundoptics.com/optics/prisms/specialty-prisms/wedge-prisms/2052

 

[CDBEAM777]

A wedge prism would be easier to mount.
http://www.edmundoptics.com/optics/prisms/specialty-prisms/wedge-prisms/2052

I have not used Wedge prisms. How would it be eaiser ???....How do they mount ??? If they mount on the circumference.....well.....that involves a multi-ID for a mount tube...which = machining time = $$$...even with a CNC operation.

The Anamorphics have two (2) parallel planes...and I know how to clamp these....like a sandwich !!! No glue.

But....the Anamorphics could be glued as well....the bottom flat plane of the prism's... to the floor of the box construct....thus eliminating the need for the top plate to clamp down on the top of the prism's. We could still retain the box geometry as it provides a center support for the shroud tube.

Gives me some other ideas for cost cutting !!! Thanx !!!!!!!!!

Stanwax A-prism's are $60 for two....Edmonds Wedge prism's are about $ 60 each....typical !!
I have used ES mounts for my projector Dichroic filters....and they are a good value for a good quality.....but...I will pass on these Wedge Prism's.

Interesting project !!! :thinking::thinking::thinking:

Lite'em Up CDBEAM=======>

 

[ARG]

That's exactly what I was thinking of, except with the lens threading into it.

Would probably be around $5 each to have em made in 100/pcs (for the metal)
Then $60 prisms from stanwax, bit of epoxy and bob's your uncle

 

[crazyspaz]

Thanks ARG

This is a kind of odd question, but is it possible to cut anamorphic prisms in half? And if so, will each half retain its beam shaping capabilities? I doubt it, but it would save on cost if someone had access to optical cutting equipment..

 

[ru124t]

Hmmm, well where I come from we would use the cardboard tube from inside a roll of paper towels. We would either steal several pairs of glasses from people who wear those small coke bottle bottom type style of glasses or go to the dollar store and buy several pairs of low quality , high powered reading glasses. We prefer the first method as those people usually cant see well enough to phone the cops on us as we run away therefore saving several dollars for duct tape and elastic bands that will be needed later on in this project. Ok so now we have the required materials namely six lens , 3 rubber bands , 1 roll of duct tape and a cardboard tube. Now here comes the easy part. cut six slits in the cardboard tube equal distance apart and just big enough for each lens to fit snugly in place. You will have to put a slit directly across so the lens can be permanently duct taped into position. When all six are permanently taped we will proceed to make a universal fir adaptor to the end of the tube. We simply cut three 1 inch long slits in the end of the tube and slide it over test laser and use three elastic bands to firmly hold into place.If you need to focus just pull the tube out or push it in depending on your needs. Voila, we have Newfie corrective optics for less than 10 bucks! If I knew what a prism thingie was I could perhaps incorporate this into the design! One bonus from this design is that any newbie who comes on here from now on asking what is the best burning laser they can get for cheap can simply buy a 10.00 ebay laser ,attach this wicked simple design and can now walk around with a cannon the death star would be proud of! With this baby , if they were stupid enough to point it at airplanes, they would not blind the pilots, they would vaporize the plane. Can you say Malaysia Airlines MH370 ?
Perhaps I shouldn't have left my prototype sitting around. Now on to the next project, some kind of mountain climbing laser I read about on here somewhere. LOL


LPF - Fueling Your Laser Fire

 

[ARG]

Thanks ARG

This is a kind of odd question, but is it possible to cut anamorphic prisms in half? And if so, will each half retain its beam shaping capabilities? I doubt it, but it would save on cost if someone had access to optical cutting equipment..

I've tried it, it's not easy and I ended up killing the prisms. My guess is not with hobby equipment