Atomizer Laser

[whitehand]

Dan
NO!!!!!! DO NOT try to run it without the appropriate driver! It must be specific to this particular diode’s performance characteristics. You could/will burn them out without so much as even seeing a flash! Also, needed is a “housing” (some call it a “case”) to hold the diode, and the collector lens. This housing is threaded at the lens holder end, so that you can adjust the focus.

Understand that you are talking about an IR (InfraRed) Diode… which means that it is beyond the human eye’s visible spectrum range… meaning you can’t see it… you could point it (or reflect it) straight into yours or somebodyelse’s eyes, causing permanent damage without not even knowing until too late. Just a flash is all that it would take… PLEASE be VERY VERY cautious with THIS diode, if you move forward!!!! Much is available about the subject on the web, just look up Laser Classifications and Safety… The more powerful the laser the more hazardous, needless to say.

Bottom line is that this should be experimented with in a very closely controlled environment. This is not something that you want rolling around on a table or accidentally getting bumped. (See my post about controlling the XYZ axis) I share your enthusiasm and indeed it is a good price on a significantly powerful diode, but there is a lot more that goes along with to get it functional… and safe. FYI, There are laser forms that provide a great wealth of information for the DIY. (laserpointerforums.com is one that I frequent). Ultimately, I think that getting the focal length down to an acceptable/practical dimension will be our greatest challenge. Please keep us posted if you decide to give the IR diode a go!

 

[thorn]

Thanks for the warning to those of us who are not in the know.

 

[traderdan]

Whitehand
Thanks for the warning figured, there was more to it than what met the eyes. Wish I had the time to figure the laser end out . Two many hobbies as it is . E-cig mods seems to be one of the bigger ones lol. Maybe with your knowledge you could make a driver to play with a diode of that power for a mod .

 

[whitehand]

Traderdan,
I have the same problem… the mods that I have been working on seem more “doable” and I have been going for the gratification factor. However, with yours and thorns recent inquiries, I must admit my curiosity has been rekindled in the laser arena. I expect that I will return to it in a couple of weeks… first, I want to work with a light that I can see, although it might be less power, until I really get the “bench” set up… the control/safety aspect, ya know.

One other thing that I have failed to mention, is that as you increase the power, you also start having to deal with the "heat" from the diode itself. Ever seen a mod with a radiator? Maybe thorn has a good idea on that?

 

[thorn]

To cool it down better, the laser diode casing could be external for better airflow but then it may get hot to the human touch and we can't have that either. If you enclose it in silicone (or anything else), then heat builds up inside. Hmmmmm. What about a silicone (like silpat for the kitchen oven) casing around the diode that has slits cut into it to allow better air flow to the diode casing yet preventing somebody's hand from being able to touch the metal.