crystal stack question

[system_message]

I'm pretty sure this may not be a completely usable idea, but i was pondering weather the crystal stack out of a green laser could be used to alter the wavelength from diodes other than the ones used in green pointers? Has anyone tried this, and does it only work with one wavelength?


It seems to me that someone surely must have thought of this before me, which is kinda why i think it may not work.

 

[pseudonomen137]

Nah. The crystals aren't just magic things that transform one wavelength to another based on a math equation. The first crystal, Nd:YVO4 or Nd:YAG absorbs the energy from an 808nm diode, and in turn becomes a laser. It has to be coated properly to form a laser cavity in which all the fundamentals of laser operation - population inversion, stimulated emission, gain, etc - occur. This crystal is very sensitive to wavelength. Try pumping it with even 800nm and you'll be sadly disappointed.  

Now, there are more uses for these crystals thoug. Nd:YAG lases at other wavelengths than the 1064nm to make green. 1342nm is another important line, and 1342nm and 1064nm and a non linear optic can make the 593.5nm "yellow" DPSS that is so sought after by the hobbyist with too much spare change . 946nm is another line of YAG, producing the famous 473nm DPSS. And what if you frequency double 1342nm? 671nm DPSS . That's all just from the amazing, versatile YAG. There are many other DPSS processes out there too, you just wouldn't want to know the prices

 

[wooooooolazer]

? There are many other DPSS processes out there too, you just wouldn't want to know the prices

LOL



Thats why they need to start coming out with semiconductor diodes in all the different wavelengths, surely its possible, dont they just have to change the lasing medium to change the wavelength, or do they just not have a great enough demand for them to research what medium would produce green or etc.  Kinda like red where they have a use in dvd burners.

...lazer... ;D ;D ;D

 

[system_message]

Thanks! Thats what i thought.

.....and on to my next brilliant idea...................this may take a while.............

 

[system_message]

im sure if there was demand for orange or pink they would be hard at mass produceing them!

 

[pseudonomen137]

Diodes in other wavelengths will come eventually. Its possible, but the cost/demand of it all hasn't brought us green diodes quick enough for us to be playing with them yet.

Still though, DPSS has its usefulness. In these tiny semiconductor emitters, we are already pushing limits of single-mode diodes in the lower 3 digit mW figures. So you want a laser projects with a decent beam? Well you're still using DPSS or gas then. Even multi-mode diodes cap off around 5-10for a single emitter.

That said, when I can hold a 100mW combined red green and blue diode laser in my hands for <$100, I won't be complaining!

 

[wooooooolazer]

Forgot that diodes have to go to multimode when they go that high i guess that is a good advantage of dpss then. They now need to produce a single mode high powered diode, might have to change the whole design of it to get it like that tho. Also youd have to be bill gates to get one..

...lazer.. ;D ;D ;D