Combine 445 diodes?

[bhwollen]

By using 3 Polarized Beam Combiner cubes from a PHR-803T sled can I combine 4 445 diodes each at ~1.5W to make a ~5.5 watt laser?

 

[Pontiacg5]

No, you can only combine two diodes using only a polarized beam combiner.

 

[bhwollen]

I just re-wrote the post. Instead of using only one PBC can I use 3? Check out the diagram I just made.

No, you can only combine two diodes using only a polarized beam combiner.

 

[Pontiacg5]

No, that won't work. Polarized cubes work by passing light that matches the polarization of the specific side of the cube. The combined output from the cube is polarized in two directions. If you try to pass that through a second cube only the properly polarized output will pass which would leave you with half of what you put in.

Looking back, what I typed might be hard to comprehend. Believe me when I say it can't be done though

You need to look into "knife edging" if you want to combine more than two diodes.

 

[bhwollen]

Can you point me in the right direction? i really thought that would work

 

[Pontiacg5]

Here you go, this thread looks good.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f49/polarisation-knife-edge-v-h-46757.html

 

[blrock]

It's not really worth it all the trouble. Yes the beam is brighter(although not double in brightness) but the problem is that because of the horrible fast axis, your output beam will be a +. So the core is brighter than the rest of the beam. I spend a huge amount of time with the alignment etc, only to be dissapointed with the results.

Hopefully one day we'll have the optics to get a nice round beam

I'd rather spend the time installing a peltier to one diode and running it at 2 amps.
Just my thoughts.....

PS: my avatar is a picture of my two 1 watt 445 through a PBS

 

[RA_pierce]

Hopefully one day we'll have the optics to get a nice round beam

I'd rather spend the time installing a peltier to one diode and running it at 2 amps.
Just my thoughts.....

The optics do exist. The beam can be improved using either anamorphic prisms or cylindrical lenses.
Using a short length of optical fiber works, too.

 

[Cyparagon]

your output beam will be a +. So the core is brighter than the rest of the beam.

Show me one laser beam that isn't brightest in the middle.

 

[andy_con]

POLARIZED CUBED BEAMSPITTERS

 

[andy_con]

The optics do exist. The beam can be improved using either anamorphic prisms or cylindrical lenses.
Using a short length of optical fiber works, too.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/my-445-build-57025.html

 

[Bluefan]

Show me one laser beam that isn't brightest in the middle.

Half of the higher order mode laser beams.

 

[Cyparagon]

Yes, because TEM44 is MUCH better than TEM00.

 

[Bluefan]

Exactly

 

[nikokapo]

I didn't know Black Mesa manufactured 445nm diodes.