Is it possible to realign crystals in a green laser?

[jh1193]

I bought a cheap green laser and it stopped working. I was told to realign the crystals, so how would I do so? Is it even possible?

 

[Pontiacg5]

Its probably not possible for most people, especially not people without goggles that protect from 808nm and 1064nm invisible IR light. They are usually glued in so tight in those cheap pens that you probably couldn't reposition them without breaking them.

 

[RA_pierce]

It is possible.
If your "cheap" laser cost less than a few $, it's not worth it.
The most likely cause of death is a dead diode, in which case a re-alignment will not do you any good.
Just gut it and put a PHR or LPC module in it.

 

[Prototype]

If you realign the heatsink the bonded crystal set is in with the laser on (need 808nm goggles for this!) and watch for brightest green output from that and glue in place with epoxy or optics safe glue (super glue will create fumes, which will coat the crystal face and effectively ruin it completely).

 

[jedirock]

The most likely cause of death is a dead diode, in which case a re-alignment will not do you any good.

I don't think it's a dead diode. He actually posted this as a second thread, continuing on from a first thread. In that one he said he took it apart and put it back together. Except when he turns it on now, he sees a dim red glow. Sounds the 808nm IR diode.

 

[jh1193]

I dont need thislaser it was very cheap i would justkind of like to knowhow to do things on lasers for future reference. Ill probably quit this one as i have like 4 other cheap greens and a better one coming. UNless i can fix it but i dont have the 808nm glasses.

 

[RA_pierce]

I don't think it's a dead diode. He actually posted this as a second thread, continuing on from a first thread. In that one he said he took it apart and put it back together. Except when he turns it on now, he sees a dim red glow. Sounds the 808nm IR diode.

A "dead" diode can still lase.
I have disassembled, modified, and repaired many cheap greenies. The crystals are glued in place and will not budge unless a lot of force is applied directly to the crystal mount. Dropping, shaking, and throwing the laser is not enough to dislodge it. Unless it is thrown or dropped very, very hard -- in which case some of the other components may break as well.

What he is seeing is most likely spontaneous emissions from the die, which has suffered too much damage to lase. Here, we nickname this "going LED."
It is likely not more than a few mW at most, but looking into it is still not advised.