Difference in Infrared Wavelengths?

[agravlin]

Is there any functional difference between the various popular wavelengths of IR?

I mean, any particular reason to own an 808 and a 1064?

 

[hugo999999]

1064 is completely invisible whereas 808 is slightly visible? thats the only difference i know

 

[RA_pierce]

808 is a multimode diode.
1064 is DPSS pumped by 808nm.

Beam specs of 1064nm lasers are closer to that of 532nm greens. In fact, the 1064nm output of the crystal is frequency doubled to 532nm.

808nm is deep red but very dim even at very high powers.
1064nm is completely invisible to the human eye.

 

[agravlin]

Well, what I was really asking is, ignoring the fact that the diodes may be different types that produce different beam qualities, and assuming that we are comparing two wavelengths that are both completely invisible - is there any difference - say, between 1064 and maybe 1300-something? I mean functional differences between the two wavelengths of light being emitted.

 

[RA_pierce]

Well, what I was really asking is, ignoring the fact that the diodes may be different types that produce different beam qualities, and assuming that we are comparing two wavelengths that are both completely invisible - is there any difference - say, between 1064 and maybe 1300-something? I mean functional differences between the two wavelengths of light being emitted.

For hobby uses?
The isn't really much difference. Just invisible light.

But if you are asking what possible applications are... there are many.
For example...
Solid state pumping, IR illumination/targeting devices, fiber optic networks... to name a few.
Depending on your application, you may need a very specific wavelength of infrared laser light.

 

[agravlin]

For hobby uses?
The isn't really much difference. Just invisible light.

But if you are asking what possible applications are... there are many.
For example...
Solid state pumping, IR illumination/targeting devices, fiber optic networks... to name a few.
Depending on your application, you may need a very specific wavelength of infrared laser light.

Ahh, thanks.

Which Infrared wavelength is best when it comes to availability/price/maximum power?

 

[aryntha]

808. Shortly behind it, 980. I'd like to get a 1064 but they're rather expensive.

 

[NoBama]

i just got an 808 nm from o like for $39.00. 200 mw.

 

[agravlin]

But 808 is not entirely invisible, correct?

 

[Prototype]

You'll see a dim red glow, like a few mW of 650, even at very high powers of 808nm, which is what makes it dangerous, it's deceptively dim.

 

[agravlin]

You'll see a dim red glow, like a few mW of 650, even at very high powers of 808nm, which is what makes it dangerous, it's deceptively dim.

I'm kind of going for a totally invisible beam. 980nm, I suppose. I want a purely thermal laser - none of that visible mumbo-jumbo wasting my current! I know the associated dangers of an invisible beam.

 

[RA_pierce]

I'm kind of going for a totally invisible beam. 980nm, I suppose. I want a purely thermal laser - none of that visible mumbo-jumbo wasting my current! I know the associated dangers of an invisible beam.

Well, at 980nm, it's not exactly a "pure thermal" laser.
The closest you can get is very deep IR.
CO2 lases at 10.6µm (10600nm). This wavelength can be absorbed by most common materials including transparent glass, plastics, and mirrors.

 

[Cyparagon]

I can testify that these

Are easily ten times brighter than 2.5W of 808.

 

[james1095]

808. Shortly behind it, 980. I'd like to get a 1064 but they're rather expensive.

Couldn't you just remove the KTP from a cheap green module? I'm not sure what hobby use 1064 is though aside from making 532.

 

[Xplorer877]

Couldn't you just remove the KTP from a cheap green module? I'm not sure what hobby use 1064 is though aside from making 532.

No, the crystals are often way too small to deal with. They're glued together as well. You'll never get them apart without destroying them. Also DPSS crystals are VERY finiky. They have to be at just the right orientation and a depth for them to work.

IR has always kinda scared me (I don't have any 808nm glasses). From a general hobbyist standpoint there really is no point in owning one, unless you just collect wavelengths. If you're buying a laser just to burn stuff, which is kinda childish IMO, then go for 405nm. Materials seem to absorb that wavelength as well as IR with the added bonus that you can see the light.

-Tony

 

[Benm]

It depends on te setup really, but mostly it is not possible to remove the doubling crystal, since it is in the lasing cavity... so one of its ends is also the mirror for the 1064 laser (coated HR1064, AR532).