Cheap 808nm diodes?

[ARG]

I'm looking for a few 800mW (or higher) 808nm diodes in a 9mm or 5.6mm package for pumping. The best deal I've found on ebay is 25$ shipped. Is there anywhere I can get them cheaper?

They don't have to be great, I can deal with unstable wavelength and unstable powers.

 

[Speedy78]

Im curious as to what you're pumping.

 

[ARG]

Various crystals I've acquired but done nothing with. I have two sets of 473nm crystals plus many, many sets of 532nm crystals from all sorts of lab lasers and pointers.

Up until this point multi-diode systems and projectors have consumed my attention, I still have a few projects I need to do in that area but then I'm done.
Time to move onto a new area of lasers, and DPSS has always interested me :shhh: I've already got some projects lined up, growing my own crystals, a DIY 473nm handheld, a DIY high stability 532nm lab laser, direct doubling 530nm handheld ect.

 

[Speedy78]

Im in the proccess of building, or trying to build, a TEC/water cooled lab 532. I need YVO4 and KTP. Pump diode is 10W. Have any crystal sets you wouldnt mind selling capable of that type of input? Will be activley cooled of course.

Edit: YAG would probably be better and more efficient if I remeber correctly.

 

[ARG]

I do have one set from a dead lab laser that can take that input but I am saving it for my own build, sorry

There used to be some great crystal sets on ebay, the KTP and YVO4 were already aligned and you just had to put 808nm in one side and watch 532nm come out the other. Not sure if they are avaliable anymore, but they would work well for your system.

 

[Speedy78]

They were capable of a 10W pump? Because thats the issue im having with ebay crystals is they are all low quality low powered. Id like to keep it a seperate crystal build for cooling purposes. I already melted a combined se from a 5mW pen Every once and I while I find a used crystal but they all seem to be damaged or something. I guess ill keep an eye out

 

[ARG]

Ah, my bad they can only do 5W.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/first-crystal-set-78042.html

Try and find a broken 532nm lab laser on ebay or PL, the beefier DHOM's have good crystals in them. Quite often the diode will die, or the regulation is a little off and the crystals are still good.