Got my first build put together finally. It's a Sharp GH04W10A2GC, I'm using the open source boost from @Giannis_TDM set at about 800mA which should be about 1.2 watts, but I have no way to measure that besides it looks bright and burns things (including my finger) pretty easily. A host from...
I've mostly just been messing with my lasers on my bench, playing with lenses and power outputs and getting a feel for things. My brother is a rockhound though, and thinks the UV laser I have would be awesome for finding fluorescent rocks. I'm a little more skeptical since it's a very long wave...
I've been reading for a while but decided to finally join. I'm a longtime electronics enthusiast and I decided lasers looked pretty fun. I remember looking into it maybe 15 years ago and powerful lasers were really expensive. I'm kind of blown away with how inexpensive everything is now.
I...