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How to make a 1000 or 2000mw Laser Pointer?

TrudleR

TrudleR

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Hello People,

I wan't to make my own 1000 or 2000mW laser pointer. Does anyone know what I need for doing this?
I need a driver-module, a diode, ... what else? What for batteries I need and how much?

Diodes I found here: 808nm laser diode C-mount with fast Axis Lens, Business Industrial. Great deals on eBay!

I must now if it's possible to do that and what I need. After buying, I can put the parts together with my dad.

I'm looking forward for your answers :)

Greez
Trudler
 





Putting together a C-Mount laser is no easy task for a beginner, and if you have no experience building a laser is going to be near impossible.

Before I give a brief explanation, consider using the search bar above before posting a thread, and also it may be worth in stead of buying a high powered IR, purchasing a LOC 5.6mm diode (red) or PHR (violet) then putting together an LM317 DDL driver so you no the basic electronics behind current regulating drivers (or if you are laser purchase a flex drive or rckstr driver) then pop it into an aixiz module which will give you a feel for soldering and other small things that you will almost certainly not recognize or no how to do. And spending a lot of money on an expensive diode and blowing the **** out of it is not fun.

check out modwerx.com for some good supplies

Second, NO MATTER what laser you are buying unless under 5mW, purchase the respective safety goggles for that wavelength from a site like dragonlasers.com

Now, C-mount lasers are a whole different can of beans, unlike 5.6mm diodes, there are not currently any modules that can be used to easily collimate the beam, or cool the diode. So you will need to purchase a TEC or heatsink to mount the C-Mount onto and the suitable optics to collimate the beam and stop the laser being useless. Although I remember reading the Kryton groove (rare and no longer made host) that had a C-Mount diode adapter, although good luck buying one of those under $150 :)

So I suggest you do a lot of reading and searching, and start of with something smaller before you jump in the deep end.

If by chance you happened to be a laser physicist or hobby collector and have several home built lasers, I apologies for going into the obvious :)
 
I would really suggest against using or building 1W+ handheld pointers, the risk is far too great. Personally, a 12x BR diode is bordering on the "too powerful" limit for me, and the fact that you can't see the IR only makes the risk worse.

If you are determined to do this, you will need to have a high degree of soldering skill, and be able to machine yourself a host or modify an existing one (look for the Kryton C-Mount mod) and then work out a driver - either a custom-made LM317, or use a driver able to output 1.2-2.4A at around 2v to give 1-2W out.
 
Even low power IR can easily damage your eyes. Be careful, 808nm will be visible only as a dim red light but its really putting out a Flood of invisible IR.
HighTechDealz is good too
 
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Why not try a 1W 9mm diode? I can send you one. But as other said, Its very dangerous. Even a half second reflection has the possibility of giving you permanent eye damage. You might want to rethink an IR laser.
 
Tech_Junkie said:
Why not try a 1W 9mm diode? I can send you one. But as other said, Its very dangerous. Even a half second reflection has the possibility of giving you permanent eye damage. You might want to rethink an IR laser.
Click to expand...

If that Infra Red 9mm LD originally came from Chris... there is another
hurdle... It will require at least 2 lenses to come close to making a
collimated beam.. there is no Fast Axis lens on that Laser Diode... IIRC.

@Trudler.... You will not be able to see the IR beam and if you build it
into a hand-held assembly it will be huge... not to mention it will eat
batteries faster than you can charge them...

For your first build... why not go for a Laser Wavelength that you can see
like a Violet Blu-Ray 405nm or a Red 635nm-660nm..and under 200mW.

And before anything... get proper Laser Safety goggles rated for the
wavelength of the Laser you will build...

BTW... get some for your Dad as well...:cool:


Jerry
 
 
 
I have seen pointers close to a watt, but always @ $1500 and up, so I would have to imagine that building one would be close to that price range.

Not to mention, dangerous would be an understatement describing such a potent laser.

Not a project to enter into lightly.
 
photonaholic said:
I have seen pointers close to a watt, but always @ $1500 and up, so I would have to imagine that building one would be close to that price range.

Not to mention, dangerous would be an understatement describing such a potent laser.

Not a project to enter into lightly.
Click to expand...

Not at all, they wouldn't be that expensive. Diode would be around $100, $10 to put together a suitable driver + maybe $75 in optics?

It would be more of a mini labby though in a small enclosure, due to the optics not being easy to mount in a pointer. I think you forgot this is an IR build, and not green or red in which case I would agree with $1500 :)
 
TrudleR said:
I wan't to make my own 1000 or 2000mW laser pointer.
Click to expand...

Unless your painting a target for the military, what in gods name would you do with a 1-2 watt IR (invisible) pointer???

I don't want to speak for the O.P. but I'm rather confident that person wants a visible laser.

And the key words were
"I must now if it's possible to do that and what I need. After buying, I can put the parts together with my dad."
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm wrong...
 
I got the diodes from Bob Boyce in the box. Meredeth sells a module for $35, and Rayfoss is around $15. I doubt they are $100 each 'cause Bob threw like 30 in the box.
 
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