Attempting to make a 445 nm laser

[Deleted member 17304]

Hello, im going to try making a laser, to replace my dead arctic.

I have no need to make it more than 500 mW, and i can get a diode here right?

What kind of resistor would i need for an output of that? (OHM) I would like to use a 9 volt battery if possible, if not, ill just steal a 18650 out of my laptop battery.
Do i get a glass or acrylic lens for 500 mW? where is the cheapest for each?
Whats a good, cheap heatsinc also?

Sorry im asking so many questions, its just that im leaving for vacation tomorrow and i dont have time for research on those now, or much at all then. and i just got refunded today from my arctic

 

[pseudolobster]

Most people use potentiometers (variable resistors) on their laser drivers.. That way you can adjust the output as you see fit.

Using a LM317T regulator, or any other regulator with a 1.25v reference you would need a 2.5ohm resistor to get 500mA of power. Ideally, you'd want to use two 5ohm resistors in parallel, especially if they're under 1/2 watt.

As for the lens, glass is a must. Acrylic will degrade quickly at the powers these diodes put out.

As for the heatsink, I dunno, any chunk of aluminum with a 12mm hole drilled in it works fine.

 

[Spartan X]

You will have to take the time to do the research, there is no rushing these things. If you just want a 1W Portable, look at getting the Spartan, I got mine today and it looks to be good.

That being said I am also on the way to building my own 445nm. I chose 445nm not for the power, but because the diodes are so darn cheap and seam to be easier to work with.

A few responses to your questions:
Your not going to want to use a resistor and a 9v battery. That may work for a few hours, then your diode is going to be toast. Your going to have to order either a LED driver with the right specifications (Correct Voltage output and mA that the diode can withstand) or order one of the custom drivers sold here on the forum, such as the flexdrive or microboost(best alternative).

Additionally your going to want a lens coated for either 405nm or 445nm, axiz glass is a good choice for a good dot, the 405-G-1 does fine, though does allow for more power to pass.

Add a module to hold your diode, a switch, host...ect and your on your way.

Personally I'm tearing appart a Master Replica Fx lightsaber and using a flexdrive set to 1A, using a 405-g1 lens, dv lava's corrective optics, and running them off of 4 AA batteries. I may even try and work in a beam expander, though that may be contrary to the idea of having the corrective optics in there, heh. I don't expect this project to be done anytime soon. Such is life.

All in All, keep lurking and you will figure it out. And if first you do not suceed, try again. It's just a hobby. Not like you NEED a 1W 445nm Laser, heh.