How to focus a LD extracted from a DVD RW

[Daz]

Hi all,

I've extracted a red LD from my DVD RW and tested that it works. How do I focus the beam with things I might find either from the DVD RW itself or a magnifying glass?

Thanks
Daz

 

[daguin]

Buy a module form AixiZ and install the diode into it

The module comes with a collimating lens

Peace,
dave

 

[Daz]

so there's nothing I can salvage (lens wise) from the DVD RW to try and get a tight beam?

 

[daguin]

so there's nothing I can salvage (lens wise) from the DVD RW to try and get a tight beam?

The lenses in the sled were designed to focus the laser just a few mm from the lens. Somehow I do not think that will be what you are looking for

Peace,
dave

 

[Daz]

can I use a magnifying glass for now?

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

You can use an AixiZ module.

 

[Daz]

I don't have an AixiZ module

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

What do you do, when you need something and you don't have it, and there are places that sell what you need?

Get an AixiZ module. You'll need one anyways.

 

[Cyparagon]

Magnifying glasses have long focal lengths. It will work, but that means you probably won't fit the whole beam through the lens and the beam will be very large. Something like this: