DVD Laser diode

[Peter Dodge]

i pulled a laser diode from a dvd RW but i have no idea how to power it. can anyone nerdy help? here is the diode:
and here is some of the optics / host anything helpful would be great thanks

 

[RedCowboy]

Here's some info that may help> Can you see a part number, if so search the part number, find the pin out and you can make a simple LM316 based linear current regulator, instructions are also a simple search, thanks for inspiring me to look this up, it looked like an optical detector at first. As always protect your eyes and avoid static that can ruin your LD

Laser Diode Power Output Based on DVD-R/RW specs

DVD-RW Laser Diode optical output power values based on the type of the drive, the writing speed and roughly based on date of manufacture. Teardown pictures

elabz.com

 

[diachi]

1st pic looks like an optical detector that picks up the reflected data

---edit---

Actually that looks like an emitter, it's been a while since I tore one down.

Here's a pic I found, do you have a pic of the front like this ?

Here's some info that may help>

Laser Diode Power Output Based on DVD-R/RW specs

DVD-RW Laser Diode optical output power values based on the type of the drive, the writing speed and roughly based on date of manufacture. Teardown pictures

elabz.com

They often have everything in the one package with those rectangular sort of diodes. Photodiode, NIR laser and red laser. Unfortunately no modules for them so even if you do get it powered it's not much good anyway.

This is the sort of diode you're looking for OP. The standard 5.6mm type that fit standard modules used by everyone here.

 

[RedCowboy]

@ diachi
I wonder if they have the different wavelengths aligned via. dicros or otherwise inside the LD and when will we have a RGB diode that will output even a crude white beam ? Have you seen anything on the RGB diode front ?

Here's another interesting pic, but with the fiber output the coherence will suffer, I am awaiting that true white beam in a tiny package ( as are most of us )

 

[Peter Dodge]

that helps a lot, thanks
also, what kind of host or battery or what would be able to power this thing, to make it into a pointer?

 

[diachi]

@ diachi
I wonder if they have the different wavelengths aligned via. dicros or otherwise inside the LD and when will we have a RGB diode that will output even a crude white beam ? Have you seen anything on the RGB diode front ?

Here's another interesting pic, but with the fiber output the coherence will suffer, I am awaiting that true white beam in a tiny package ( as are most of us )

Haven't seen anything on the RGB diode front, haven't looked mind you. Don't see much use for it outside of very small, highly mobile projectors (in phones for example). There's one current phone I know of that has a projector built in but a quick search didn't turn up any teardowns or details about the optics inside.

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that helps a lot, thanks
also, what kind of host or battery or what would be able to power this thing, to make it into a pointer?

You'd need to have a module custom machined for one of those rectangular(ish) diodes. Battery/driver wouldn't be any different from any other laser diode with the same sort of forward current and voltage drop (i.e. most DVD burner diodes).

 

[Spoomples]

Its a bit late to do this now, but I heard that its better to leave the diode in the sled for odd shapes like these. Its already heatsynced and has some focusing optics set up.

 

[diachi]

Its a bit late to do this now, but I heard that its better to leave the diode in the sled for odd shapes like these. Its already heatsynced and has some focusing optics set up.

Or you could just buy a diode with both a higher output power and a more common form factor for $2.50/pc.

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Find great deals on eBay for 10PCS Mitsubishi LPC 826 5 6mm Red 660nm 300mw 400mw Laser Diode. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.ca

 

[RedCowboy]

Some of the pico projectors are LED and some are laser, the lasers inside the pico I saw opened up were 3 individual diodes but I expect for the purpose of streamline miniaturization that an all in one RGB LD could/should show up in time.

These pics from the web

 

[Encap]

that helps a lot, thanks
also, what kind of host or battery or what would be able to power this thing, to make it into a pointer?

Being only 13 years old and knowing nothing about lasers other than you have a 405nm pointer you probably could not guess the difficulties of using that old DVD RW diode.

As mentioned by diachi "You'd need to have a module custom machined for one of those rectangular(ish) diodes. Battery/driver wouldn't be any different from any other laser diode with the same sort of forward current and voltage drop (i.e. most DVD burner diodes). "
There are no hand held laser heat sink/modules made for those types of laser diodes because nobody uses them that way.

A lens, a module, a laser diode, a driver/pill and associated contacts for a battery are assembled into a host/shell to make a hand held laser.
Doesn't work the way a flashlight does--is not like connecting a battery to a light bulb.
Nobody makes hosts that you can just put any bare laser diode into like a new bulb into a flashlight.
There are many different types of drivers and a driver needs to be appropriate for any given laser diode and set to supply the current for that diode. A battery supplies electricity to a driver which supplies regulated current to a laser diode.

If you want to see what modules with and without laser diode installed look like and what drivers driver look like see DTR's web shop: https://sites.google.com/site/dtrslasershop/ You also need to be 18 years old to purchase any diodes/modules/ from his site so your parents would need to buy whatever you might want to get from there for you. You can also look at how a complete laser with all it's part is assembled--what parts go into making a hand held laser on the Survival Laser web site -- have to be 18 to buy from there also--- see: https://www.survivallaserusa.com/

PS actually when you sign up to be an LPF member and use the LPF web site ---you have to agree to the "terms of use" which say:
"3. Eligibility You must be the age of majority as that is defined in your jurisdiction to visit or use the Website in any manner. You represent and warrant to Laser Pointer Forums that You have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction, and that You have the right, authority and capacity to agree to and abide by this Agreement. You also represent and warrant to Laser Pointer Forums that You will use the Website in a manner consistent with any and all applicable laws and regulations."
In the USA that means 18 years old or older---legally an adult. so....LPF is not a site meant for use by minors/children. See: https://laserpointerforums.com/help/terms/

 

[Peter Dodge]

so what your saying is that i'm not advanced, and i agree with you on that, but i cant buy scary lasers?!?
but thanks

 

[Encap]

so what your saying is that i'm not advanced, and i agree with you on that, but i cant buy scary lasers?!?
but thanks

What I am saying that it is not likely that you are not going to be able to make that old DVD RW diode into a pointer because you would need to make a module yourself or pay someone to custom make a module for you + you need the knowledge of all the other parts and how to put them all together.
If you want to try building a laser pointer, have a look at the links I gave you to comprehend what is needed and once you decide you want to make a pointer, ask your parents if they will get the parts for you as they are responsible for you and whatever comes of anything you do while you are a minor/child.