Trying to build a ~500 mw burning laser

[kcducttaper]

I've got a project that requires a laser with burning capabilities (specifically popping balloons) at a distance of, say, 20-50 feet. I got a 200 mw green laser and it looks cool, but doesn't quite do the trick. Someone pointed out to me that the 405nm diodes from a blu-ray burner work really well due to the tight beam specs. After a bit of youtubing, it seems as though they really do work well for popping balloons at distance - especially near 500mw.

This would be my first time actually building a laser, so please correct me if I'm misguided on something. At this point, I think I'll only be needing the diode (I presume it must be an RW diode...? Also not sure if I need a lens in addition to the diode or not...), a 500mw driver (or a circuit diagram to make my own), and an appropriate battery. I don't think I'll need a flashlight host right off the bat for the project, but I might decide to stick it in one later.

If you guys could get me steered in the right direction to get some of these parts (and just throwing in some tips, tricks, and advise), that'd be great!

 

[DTR]

For bluray diodes that do more than 500mW you would need to look at blue ray drives that are 12X and up and even then you may want to check the model number and see if anyone here has extracted them to make sure you are getting what you need. RW or not is not something I look at and I doubt it plays any role in the power of the diode in the drive.

Yes you will need a diode, driver, glass lens, host/heatsink kit(if your aim is a portable), batteries and safety glasses.


Instead of tearing apart a blueray drive which will probably cost the same or not more you could get the diode directly already safely extracted.
See these for the diode, driver and glass lens.
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/diodes/s06j-12x-405-diodes

Here are some hosts I offer but there are tons of host/heatsink makers here so browse around. You want one fit for a single cell if you get the option with the microboost driver so don't go after any of the 2X18650 hosts.
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrshostheatsinkkitpage/

Charger. I like the i2 and i4 chargers. IL has them in stock. You can add batteries here to save on shipping or source cheaper cells elsewhere.
Nitecore Intellicharge i2 [Nitecore i2] - $12.99 : Illumination Supply, Quality Flashlights and More!


Safety glasses. Don't forget these.:beer:
Eagle Pair® 190-540nm Standard Laser Safety Goggles

 

[dubious speculation]

Telling us more about what you want to do specifically will help people steer you in the right direction. Why does your project require a laser that can pop balloons at 25ft?

if you don't know that you need a lens and a heat sink at the very least, then you should do a lot more research, from sources other than YouTube

 

[kcducttaper]

Thanks for the pointers DTR! I've gathered the general impression that anything between 12-16x has pretty similar performance. Is this correct, or no?

Telling us more about what you want to do specifically will help people steer you in the right direction. Why does your project require a laser that can pop balloons at 25ft?

Because that's one of the requirements I made for the project.

If you don't know that you need a lens and a heat sink at the very least, then you should do a lot more research, from sources other than YouTube.

Hence my presence on this forum. Depending on where I order the diode from, it may come with a lens already, so I didn't necessarily specify that.

It doesn't necessarily have to be exactly 500mw, but it does have to be strong enough to pop balloons (at least black ones) within 1/2 second at 25 feet (yes, it will be mounted on a stable device rather than by hand). I know a 500mw can do that with ease, but if something smaller can give me similar results for significantly cheaper, I see no reason not to go that route - though I may turn it into a CNC wood burning project later on, so I might go for the 500+mw after all... Not sure yet.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

KC -- Long ago, many people here got away
from parlor tricks like popping a balloon.
That is now hohum to many of us who are
looking for colors.
What is so special about that balloon and 25'?
HMike

 

[Tmack]

I remember a guy came to my house to buy a lower power laser I had made. One if his first questions was "can it pop a balloon?" I've had people bring balloons to my house because of my lasers. Lol people love watching lasers pop balloons!
I need a couple hundred propane balloons and flash paper from the looks of it, I'll be famous after that lol.

 

[Pi R Squared]

I remember a guy came to my house to buy a lower power laser I had made. One if his first questions was "can it pop a balloon?" I've had people bring balloons to my house because of my lasers. Lol people love watching lasers pop balloons!
I need a couple hundred propane balloons and flash paper from the looks of it, I'll be famous after that lol.

Propane balloons and flash paper!!! Tmack you are brilliant!!! I would try this myself but I don't want to attract the attention of the neighbors or security guards or possibly start a forest fire. Remember: Only you can prevent forest fires. Please test your idea for us and shoot video of it. I am sure a laser can't ignite propane but with the flash paper attached to the balloon, when the flash paper burns it should pop the balloon and ignite the propane. Please only try this outside in a safe area and be sure to wear safety glasses.

Alan

 

[Tmack]

I can't take full credit for that lol. We were "what if-ing" and it came up.

I'd definitely have fun trying
Hopefully the propane moving so quickly wouldn't just blow out the flame. Theoretically it should work well.

If lined up they should ignite the next one with the laser only having to hit the first one.
Now I'm just nerding out loud

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

There are no more forest fires to prevent.
The forests are all burned up.
NOW we must prevent "wild fires" in
wild areas. !!!!
HMike

 

[phoenix77]

What about using Butane from a lighter filler instead of Propane ?
At least it will come in smaller/cheaper, easily transported cans !

 

[xirrious]

Propane is wAay cheaper per lb then butane.. and I think its volatile enough for your idea to work.. that'd be awesome lol