First laser build

[Ryanm5273]

I don't know much about electronics or lasers, but I would like to know if I can build a laser with these four items:

100mw blue laser diode with driver - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TB5IEWG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_dN37wb4ZHFKDZ

Switch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WLKD/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_ZO37wb6NZ4CDM

Battery -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LHFU62/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_2P37wb2EW86DP

Battery case -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQKBQBE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_qR37wbVFF9W3X


I was just wondering if I needed any resistors or other electrical components for this to work correctly. Also in the questions part of the diode on amazon, someone said all you need for the diode is a power source and said a 3.7v li-ion battery will work. It also says it can run 45 sec on 15 sec off without a heatsink.

 

[Rivem]

Yes, you could probably make a laser from these components if you wanted. You might want to include extra wire and soldering equipment though. Laser safety glasses/goggles would also be advisable at this power. A single battery would do if the laser specs listed are correct.

 

[Ryanm5273]

Thank you very much

 

[Rivem]

No problem. Just remember that if you build this, having a pair of safety glasses might save your vision. 100mW in 405nm is plenty power to damage your eyes permanently before you can blink in the event a part of the beam should hit your eye.

Edit: One more thing, this laser will look much more violet at 405nm than blue. A better blue choice would be 445nm.

 

[Ryanm5273]

Oh I will I see it all the time on these forums and every laser video how important safety is. Thanks for reminder

 

[Pman]

Kind of a funny question as it already is a working laser. Just put your battery across the wires and it's on just like any complete DTR laser module I know what you mean though so yes that would be a nice little first project and will easily light a match if it's at least 40mW although you won't see any beam at all unless you add some smoke although not the kind that would get on the lens. Have fun and be safe
Dont try to use both batteries with it at the same time as you will blow the diode, driver in it or both. Those batteries fully charge to 4.2V each and that module is rated for up to 5V. It's VERY likely that using 5V will not increase the output at all over the 4.2V. Generally the extra voltage just makes the driver run hotter which isn't a good thing.

 

[Rivem]

Kind of a funny question as it already is a working laser. Just put your battery across the wires and it's on just like any complete DTR laser module I know what you mean though so yes that would be a nice little first project and will easily light a match if it's at least 40mW although you won't see any beam at all unless you add some smoke although not the kind that would get on the lens. Have fun and be safe
Dont try to use both batteries with it at the same time as you will blow the diode, driver in it or both. Those batteries fully charge to 4.2V each and that module is rated for up to 5V. It's VERY likely that using 5V will not increase the output at all over the 4.2V. Generally the extra voltage just makes the driver run hotter which isn't a good thing.

Pman's right. I'd recommend only using one, but you could parallel both of them instead of putting them in series like usual if you wanted more run time.

 

[Ryanm5273]

I was only going to use one the other one would be a backup

 

[monkeydan]

No problem. Just remember that if you build this, having a pair of safety glasses might save your vision. 100mW in 405nm is plenty power to damage your eyes permanently before you can blink in the event a part of the beam should hit your eye.

Edit: One more thing, this laser will look much more violet at 405nm than blue. A better blue choice would be 445nm.

Agreed, a less visible laser is potentially dangerous because your eyes tend to tell your brain it is less powerful. But the power is still there.

100% agree that a pair of safety glasses is a must. Nothing is costing more than your eyes.