Building green/blu-ray laser questions

[awlego]

I would like to build both a green and a blu-ray laser. I would like the green in the range of 30-55mW and the blu-ray I was going to use the PHR-803T diode with a driver. I have several questions concerning my planned builds and was wondering if I could get some help.

First, what power is recommended for the PHR-803T diode? Long life and greater continuous run time is a greater priority than burn potential. I was thinking 120mA. Thoughts?

Second, I am new to building custom lasers and am on a low budget. Therefore I do not want to spend money only to destroy a diode when I try to build it. I was thinking about buying a diode already in a housing; would this work?

405nm PHR-803T Blu Ray Diode in Aixiz Laser Module Housing [PHR-803T in Aixiz module] - $19.83 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!

Anyone have any experience from them?

If I did buy that model, I would then purchase a RKCSTR or flexDrive driver. Is it easy to set the current myself, or is it worth the few bucks to buy a preset driver? Here are the sites I was thinking about buying them from:
(suggestions on better sites are welcome)
http://darklasers.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6

http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Micro_FlexDrive.php

Thirdly, I am wondering if there are any chances in destroying the diode in soldering the driver to the diode. I have relatively little experience with soldering (though I do know how to do it) and am wondering if it's worth it to just buy it preassembled (forsaking the joy of building it myself as well as several dollars.) Any recommendations?
If I did buy the whole module, I was thinking of this one:
Aixiz Rkcstr Blu-Ray 405nm 120mA Laser Module [PHR-803T & Rkcstr Microdriver] - $59.00 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!



Now onto a green question. I want to build the same thing with a green diode. Any ideas on where I could purchase one around 30-55mW? I prefer to order from the United States if possible so as to reduce shipping time.


Thanks so much!

 

[Byrnz93]

For a PHR, a long life would be around 100mA but a lot of members give them around 120mA.
Yes, it would definitely be a good idea to buy a diode already in a housing for a beginner and if you don't know what you are doing then yes it is a good idea to buy a preset module.
And yes, heat one of the main killers of diodes, leaving your soldering iron near the diode for just 2 to 3 seconds could kill it. To make it even easier, you could always buy a complete module with rckstr driver installed from Mohrenberg; just search the forum for "Complete Modules" and you should find a thread by him.

Onto the green, green diodes are very rare and rather expensive, the only green lasers offered commercially use DPSS. There are a lot of companies that could ship to you, like O-Like and Rayfoss. Just search around and you'll find the info you're after.

 

[BuildAbluraylaser]

The website High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby! is owned by a member of the forum and is a very reliable source for laser components.

Many people here can sell you complete modules as they are very easy to assemble, I suggest you take a look at the laser pro shop section and maybe send a PM to a few members. I know Daguin could build you one, and he is one of the most respected member on the forum.

 

[awlego]

Thanks for the advice and help!

And I did mean DPSS instead of diode Thanks for clarifying though

 

[More Power]

Definatly better to buy as much preassembled as possible, you will end up destroying good components and waisting money if you dont have very good soldering experience.