Building a blue laser plane

[Pharren]

I hope this is the right place to post this!

I'm attempting to build a laser to create a flat blue plane.

Like this one.

I'm building an alien egg chamber in my back yard for a halloween party.

I don't have really any experience with modding lasers, but I was wondering what you guys might suggest.

In another post on this site I saw This suggested to cannibalise for a lens to make the laser flat. If you guys think that will work then fine, but I still need a blue laser that that lens will fit in and that won't blind my guests, and I'm completely lost trying to find an appropriate one.

 

[Leodahsan]

You want it in the air or on the floor? :thinking:
I can't really understand your pic... :beer:

Please be aware that lasers are hazardous for your eyes. And for your wallet

Welcome to the forums. Introduce yourself on the welcome section...


edit:
if you want the "blue line" on the air, you're looking for this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS0sV7kj-8E

 

[Pharren]

Thank you so much! That's exactly what I want!

I found this, could I just wire this up to a battery or do I need any other equipment other than something to keep it stable? Do I need to keep it cool with a fan or something?

 

[Leodahsan]

It is 5mW and violet, it will be barely visible from a distance.

What is the size wanted? distance from laser to wall?
If you want blue, you will need a 445nm laser, with a heatsink. Then you put a line generator lens on front of it, and voila.

 

[Pharren]

The laser would be 20ft from the wall at most. I'll have a fog machine on and it'll be about a foot or two off the ground, creating a plane over the ground. How high of a Wattage would I need?

 

[Leodahsan]

Well, with a fog machine on you will need a low power.
It depends on illumination, floor color, fog density, etc.

There will be children or pets on the vicinity, when the laser is on?
Closer to the laser the danger is bigger. And you don't want to blind your guests

I'd buy a 445nm module, heatsink it and play with the power for testing. I think 300mW would suffice... :thinking:

 

[Pharren]

Hmm, well judging from the costs I'm looking at I don't think this is in my price range.
Thank you very much for your help and your time.

 

[Leodahsan]

Don't give up yet. Some member may give you additional insight and maybe you change your mind :beer: