How to change beam shape?

[MrNuke]

I'm a newb here but would love to know how I could change the shape of a visible laser beam?

I have seen some of those cheapo red laser pointers which come with like 40 different shapes you atatch in the front and it changes the beam's shape. is this possible with any visible laser? How do you make the shapes?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Daedal]

Use this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/42-HEAD-LASER-P...ryZ14954QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

With any laser pointer. I have used one of these with a 100mW green and it worked nicely. The only problem is that the extra engravings in the lens on the sides will still show up like a diffraction grating. In total darkness I can see about 9 or more of the shape shape all around the center shape

--DDL

 

[MrNuke]

Yup that's the thing I am curious about how they work.

Is it just a simple parabolic lens with a shape 'etched' in the middle?

I can not find any info on the web about that.

 

[yew.sir-name]

yup, it's just a piece of etched plastic.

 

[MrNuke]

Ahh. Has anyone made their own shapes?

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

I believe it's a HOLLOGRAM !! A truly cheap interference filter projecting an immage. Too cheap to be 3D.

Mike

 

[MrNuke]

Yeah it's def not 3D. lol.

I want to make my own shapes though. Any insight as to how I could even start about that?

Also I finally found what I'm looking for . Custom DOE's. Or how to make them.

 

[Daedal]

Try asking about that over at www.holographyforum.org You'll be amongst a crowd of Holography masters there. The LPM-1 laser meter was developed by a member of the holography forum and I'm sure you'll meet people there who make holograms for a living that can point you in the right direction

P.S. The Discovery channel also helps a bit

GL;
DDL

 

[MrNuke]

I've checked that site out and searched the web. No real info on how to make it yourself. Some companies make the DOE's but
they want a $5K order at the minimum .

CRAP.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Go find a cheap red pointer kit at some dollar store. I threw most of my "tips" away.... Those little films should all work.

Mike

 

[paper183]

Yup i got a cheap red laser with 42 tips for 5$ and i use them with my greenie ;D

 

[Phazonx]

to check what shape it is, look through the little dollar store laser lens and look at a sparkle or shiny object, then the lens will show what it is.