First test on a DIY 40W CO2 laser

[Cyparagon]

Try the red laser, but 650 to 10600 is like apples and M3 screws

The focal length will be different, and that's about it.

First thing I would try, is flippin the lens round...

That will do absolutely nothing :beer:

 

[Bluefan]

A plano convex lens isn't symmetric, flipping it around will change the spot size. The smallest spot size is obtained with the flat end at the focal point side, but it's a small effect so it can't be the problem here.

 

[Arayan]

I tried the lens with a red beam and I obtained a focused spot at the distance of approx. 12 cm. Very similar results were obtained with flipped lens. Later I'm going to try again with the CO2 using more accurate distances.

I appreciate all comments

 

[Arayan]

Problem solved

honestly I don't know why (maybe for the lens diameter) but the problem was that this lens has a very precise focal length (9.8 cm) just a millimeter more or less and it goes out of focus.

:thanks:

 

[jeffreythe00]

May I suggest one of these if you are having issues with your znse?

Used ZnSe 7.5"F.L. Carbon Dioxide Laser Lens Infrared IR Optic CO2 1.5" Diameter | eBay

 

[Arayan]

May I suggest one of these if you are having issues with your znse?

Used ZnSe 7.5"F.L. Carbon Dioxide Laser Lens Infrared IR Optic CO2 1.5" Diameter | eBay

Thanks Jeff, my lens is weird but works at the moment... I don't understand but it works at 9.8 cm (focal distance) but, for example, at 10 cm it produces a hole (in a black thin plastic) bigger than holes produced by the "pure" beam

 

[Cyparagon]

That shouldn't be possible. What about at 9.6cm?

 

[Arayan]

That shouldn't be possible. What about at 9.6cm?

I measured with a technically non-aligned system and with few time for testing, so it is certainly possible!!!

 

[Cyparagon]

Just to be sure... is this what you're claiming? That the light suddenly changes direction at the focal point?

 

[Arayan]

No, no is more similar to this

But more likely are the tests that were not conducted with much scientific strictness

 

[Arayan]

Sorry for double posting, but I want to back IT with a small movie with the laser equipped with the ZeSn lens. Now it's capable to cut a pencil

 

[Arayan]

I added a red aiming to the beast... the next step will be represented by a lens beam combiner :yh:

 

[realista]

ciao! vedo che il tuo progetto continua davvero bene!
peccato che non entro piu molto nel forum per seguirlo...!!!

 

[Arayan]

ciao! vedo che il tuo progetto continua davvero bene!
peccato che non entro piu molto nel forum per seguirlo...!!!

Grazie, magari uno di questi giorni, se non sei impegnato ci vediamo