Class 1 constuction

[Turboah_Maynd]

Hello!

I am new to laser construction and I wanted to ask a question. I am going to build a burning laser, and I am using a class 1 CD Burner diode. I was asking that can you make a Burning laser pointer out of a class 1 laser? If you do make one, what can you do with it? Is it harmful?

Please answer these questions, and I would really appreciate If you do, Because I am a noob to laser construction.

(P.S. Is it necessary to always install an IR filter to any type of laser? Please help). ;D

 

[StrictlyBudget]

Hello!

I am new to laser construction and I wanted to ask a question. I am going to build a burning laser, and I am using a class 1 CD Burner diode. I was asking that can you make a Burning laser pointer out of a class 1 laser? If you do make one, what can you do with it? Is it harmful?

Please answer these questions, and I would really appreciate If you do, Because I am a noob to laser construction.

(P.S. Is it necessary to always install an IR filter to any type of laser? Please help). ;D

welcome to laserpointerforums. as far as i hate saying this, i still have to. if you don't even understand basics like what a class 1 laser is, you shouldn't be making a laser yet or even asking how to. you should read more on the theories of laser. but to answer your questions:

-a class 1 laser diode from a cd burner isn't going to burn. if you're sure it's a class 1, then it's does not even have 1 mW of power.

-you should know that the diode you get out of a cd burner is infrared. which means you won't be able to see the beam or even the dot! and in addition with such a low power, what would you be able to do with it?

-i don't think a class 1 laser can be harmful, but it doesn't mean you can shine it into your eyes.

-an IR (infrared) filter is used in DPSS (diode-pumped solid state) lasers only. i'm not gonna bother explaining what DPSS is though.

you've already declared yourself a noob at laser construction, so you should read up more instead. enjoy your stay here. you're gonna learn a lot.

 

[LRMNmeyer]

[quote author=Turboah_Maynd link=1228669884/0#0 date=1228669884]

-a class 1 laser diode from a cd burner isn't going to burn. if you're sure it's a class 1, then it's does not even have 1 mW of power.
[/quote]

Actually, a class I laser is a laser of any power that is in a contained device. All diodes we use fall under this catagory, but are IIIB/IV once we take them out and use them; PHR, 6X, 22X...
Class II lasers are under 1mW.

 

[Turboah_Maynd]

:-/

Ok I guess I am a noob and do not no much about lasers. In the past 24 hours I learned a lot more about lasers than I knew at first. I Should not skip to building a laser all at once, I should know more first. Thanks for the description though.( I know what DPSS Lasers are now).

Okay I have to ask another thing

In Kipkay's Laser flashlight hack he used a DVD Burner diode. Is it okay to use a DVD Burner laser diode then? I am not going to build it, I am just asking to know more about laser diodes.

 

[Cyparagon]

Yes, DVD burner diodes are probably the cheapest burners available. They are class 3B when removed from the drive. Their power can be upwards of 300mW. Your average laser pointer emits only 2mW by comparison. CD burner diodes top out at 100mW.

[quote author=StrictlyBudget link=1228669884/0#1 date=1228677933][quote author=Turboah_Maynd link=1228669884/0#0 date=1228669884]

-a class 1 laser diode from a cd burner isn't going to burn. if you're sure it's a class 1, then it's does not even have 1 mW of power.
[/quote]

Actually, a class I laser is a laser of any power that is in a contained device. All diodes we use fall under this catagory, but are IIIB/IV once we take them out and use them; PHR, 6X, 22X...
Class II lasers are under 1mW.[/quote]

Class 1 also refers to a laser under 390µW

 

[Turboah_Maynd]

OK Now I know A LOT more about lasers (Maybe 4 times more than I knew at first) and I may not be declared a noob anymore.

I am more advanced in lasers and Have read many posts on this forum and Lasers wiki. This is really useful.

You are right, a DVD burner does have a class 3B Laser ( I also know about every laser type and class) but a CD DRIVE usually has a Class 1 laser. While building a laser, I should probably be using class 3B laser types[smiley=thumbsup.gif].

Thanks again laserpointerforums, you really helped me in my knowledge about lasers. This site is really useful and interesting[smiley=dankk2.gif]

 

[hydrogenman15]

:-/

Ok I guess I am a noob and do not no much about lasers. In the past 24 hours I learned a lot more about lasers than I knew at first. I Should not skip to building a laser all at once, I should know more first. Thanks for the description though.( I know what DPSS Lasers are now).

Okay I have to ask another thing

In Kipkay's Laser flashlight hack he used a DVD Burner diode. Is it okay to use a DVD Burner laser diode then? I am not going to build it, I am just asking to know more about laser diodes.

Sure, just don't go hooking a diode up to couple AA's cause you wont know if it will live without a driver. Heres a driver you can make: http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1185701612

--hydro15

 

[Turboah_Maynd]

Why is it necessary to install a driver to a laser? And what will really happen to your laser when you hook it up directly to batteries ( Just curious). :question

 

[phoenix3200]

A driver is necessary because the laser diodes are VERY sensitive electronic devices.  If you are lucky enough to be able to run the LD straight off of batteries without killing it, it won't be long before you do kill it.

There's a few problems:
-current drift: as the diode heats up, if you apply the same amount of voltage to the diode, you will be in fact increasing the power the diode receives (and will overpower the diode)
-voltage spikes: when you first turn on the diode, you'll get a spike in the voltage, which the diode won't like
-fine tuning: each time you turn on the laser, your laser's output will be different due to battery drain, etc.

Drivers are designed to combat those three problems.