buying a 532nm or 650nm diode

[motox302]

Hi im new on the forum. I just got into lasers. I need  a 532nm or 650nm diode to make my own laser thanks

 

[Greenie]

I am new to lasers my self. I do not think we have diodes that come in 532nm yet.. You would have to get a 808nm diode and pump it through a Nd:YVO4 crystal set to get 532nm.

Red diodes are easy to come by. Check here for tons of info on Red Lasers. http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?board=b_red

Someone read this to make sure I didn't mess anything up

 

[motox302]

ok thanks

 

[pseudonomen137]

What type of power are you looking into and for what purpose? Lots of people pull 80mW+ red diodes from DVD writers and overdrive them in the 100-200mW+ range. Not to mention a few group buys by people like SenKat and Dr. Lava.

For green though you'd need to buy a module. Green diodes aren't really feasable yet and the only way to get green is by a DPSS (diode pumped solid state) process in which, as Greenie alluded to, a pump diode causes other crystals to lase so that you get a 532nm green output.

 

[motox302]

i got the idea from someone on youtube and he said use either a 532 or 650nm diode

 

[SenKat]

Ah, yes....the you tube videos ! Some of those DIY vids are kinds scary - hooking a red diode up to straight batteries and relying on the internal resistance of the batts is kinda like playing craps.....

 

[motox302]

i allready bought the lenses and casing from AixiZ Lasers and a battery pack from radio shack

 

[SenKat]

You CAN hook them up that way, I just do not recommend it - it will shorten hte life of the diode considerably ! Are you planning on harvesting a diode from a dvd-burner ? That will most likely give you the best bang for your buck -

 

[motox302]

what kind of driver board do u reccomend and where can i get it

 

[SenKat]

You are better off building one - the boards cost quite a bit form other sources - Meredith Instruments have a few different types, at about $20 each, that is a little steep in my book !

 

[motox302]

i dont no how to build 1 i guess ill buy one which kind do i need

 

[motox302]

ok im finished u guys wanna see it

 

[SenKat]

You betcha ! Show it !

 

[motox302]

ok srry the pics are kinda blurry

 

[motox302]

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[motox302]

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