green laser pointer

[Swordofsalvation]

I want to build a cheap, but efficent and sturdy green laser that i can use for night time pointing. I just need a reliably visible beam. i was thinking at least 20mws, but what diode would you guys suggest? and what driver? and what host? I want to make it cheaper than 40 dollars, if at all possible(i like jayrob's build, but its out of my price range at the moment.

 

[ndrew2505]

good luck building a green for less than 40$. your best bet is to get one from dx or kd.

 

[hydrogenman15]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DPSS I think it would be best just to buy one of these http://o-like.com/b2b_cplist.asp?catid=375 and put it in the host of your choice.

Also, Susie has crystals now. http://o-like.com/b2b_cplist.asp?catid=467

--hydro15

 

[WonHungLow]

thats good that she has crystals now. the only hard part is alignment

 

[ElektroFreak]

According to o-like.com, their YVO[sub]4[/sub] crystals lack the Nd doping that makes them so useful as a lasing medium. Without Nd doping, YVO[sub]4[/sub] is useful as a filtering/polarizing crystal, but will not lase. I'll be a bit more excited when they start carrying Nd:YVO[sub]4[/sub] and Nd:YAG plus LBO, BBO, BiBO, or LiNBO[sub]3[/sub] for making colors other than green...

 

[The_Muffin_Man]

ooooooor if you got a 5mW module..(im thinking under $40 here...) and a newwish pen style (you can just buy the case on ebay or jake sells leadlight cases for 10$) then that will be under $40...its only 5mW though...i bought an 80~100mW module from her and its really nice...very visible beam and goes really far too