Green Diode Recommendations + How to recess Bluray diode into module

[Fishbulb]

Hello again LPF! A couple of you might remember my long-winded introduction + "WTF AM I DOING?" post from a few years back: http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/newbie-diy-laser-build-42441.html

Welll, it took me an awful long time, but I finally got my laser built and functioning! Its pretty effing great! I ended up going with the PHR-805t and a pre-built host/driver kit. It was super easy and it works quite well! However I'm not really satisfied with the visibility of the beam over distance.. I knew it would be like this (its 405nm after all) and am already thinking of my second build (all the parts just came in the mail yesterday evening.. ahaha!)

But first things first. I manually fit the diode into the module.. (ie.. I didn't use the proper tools! ;P) and its flush, it works fine and it focuses enough to burn up close.. But the collimation at longer distances seems a little disappointing. I dunno if I'm simply expecting too much of my diode, or its because I didn't recess it into the module.

So does anyone have any recommendations for a good way to recess the diode with random bits and pieces I might have lying around? Im worried about damaging the diode. Also, I've already soldered.. so thats gonna get in the way a bit. I can desolder but would prefer not to.

Also, if I do recess it, can I expect better collimation at greater distances?
ALSO, My effing lens wobbles in the module threads. How the hell do I fix that?!
ahem.

Anyway yeahhh. For my next build I'm almost certainly gonna build a green laser. Can anyone recommend some good diodes and show me where to get them? I'll take recommendations for the whole power range.. 5-10mw to 100+mw to 1W+ ;P

Thanks in advance!
<3 dat LPF

 

[Just4FunReally]

1) Congrats on the successful build! Feels good don't it .

2) You can use anything that is smaller than the diode (5.6mm) in diameter but has space for the pins, and can take the pressure of the vice.

3)You may be expecting too much of your diode. My rule of thumb has always been reds burn better at a distance, and violets are better at close range. When you look at your PHR's dot, you'll notice that it is rectangular, a multimode with bad divergence and bad for distance burning. A red diode that is single mode such as LPC-826 would be better for distance burning.

4) If you can't focus past infinity already then recessing the diode MAY, not for certain, SLIGHTLY increase your burning distance. No promises on that one.

5) Teflon tape works perfectly for me, wrap it around one or two times and it holds it steady for you, or you can buy an internal or external lens spring from Cajunlasers or some place. This will greatly help you get your laser focused properly and may make the burden of distance burning easier for you.

6) Green diodes are expensive and very low powered. They used to be the unicorns of the laser world, but as of late they are quickly dropping in price, but are still not good for a beginner build. You are looking for a Green MODULE, a brass 12mm diameter module with an IR laser and DPSS crystals that change 808nm IR into 532nm Green. You should look at websites like o-like or DX. I would suggest getting modules rated from 100mW-200mW for a very satisfying laser build.

Always happy to help where I can, hope this helps put things in perspective for you :beer:.

 

[cheech226]

a phr (405nm) diode is single mode and has nice beam specs. your thinking of the 445 diodes:beer: