Infrared 780nm 370ma cutting

[LuxIgnis]

This is my second build , using a dvd burner's IR diode.
it looks like it came out alright. I am driving this at pretty high current 370ma.
Everywhere else I read that these can only go to 100mw, but I am pretty sure this is more than that. Also the optics are assembled from lenses found inside the burner itself, and are not very well aligned... fixed focus. I have no
doubt that with better glass optics it could burn just as well as a LOC diode. This is the video, it's in Italian, but a picture's worth a 1000 words, right?

YouTube - DVD Burner IR Laser 780nm

 

[lasersbee]

Very nice build... I like the way you built your module..
and I like that you used Laser Safety Goggles...
Well done... Just a few questions...

What type of driver are you using...
Which DVD Burner did that IR LD come from...
What was the first grey material that was burnt...

Jerry

 

[LuxIgnis]

thank you. I used the IR from a 16x LG burner. For now I am using an old style driver,
with LM317t using 3 10ohm resistors in parallel for a total of 3,3 ohm. There is also a 100ohm trimming pot (which has a sizeable internal resistance), a 47nf 16v cap and a
1n4001 diode.
I was able to reduce the size of these drivers omitting the 100ohm pot, and the size is like one fourth the one in the video and fits the self made module. (the module was built from 1.125" aluminum tubing and the small sink was made with my hobby cnc mill).
Looks like a sturdy diode, it doesn't even heat up at all.

I forgot to add that the material is gray elapor. Kinda like styrofoam but more condensed. It cuts it very nicely. I went over it twice but one pass is enough for 4-5mm.

 

[lasersbee]

Thanks for the detailed info...:yh:

Jerry