Did I mess up?

[mateo124]

So I finally got my laser to work, I followed this guide (Laser driver - It can be done). But the problem seems to be now that its just a red blotch instead of a precise dot. Its pretty bright, its just not focused. Does this mean I messed up or do I need to use a lens? Recently I had thought you don't need a lens but from what I got I might need one..? Thanks

 

[GBD]

From the sounds of it, you didnt mess up. you just need a lens (to collimate the output, making it a beam).

If possible, please post pictures of your whole setup, it would give a much better idea to whats going on.

 

[mateo124]

I know, its really bad but its my first

 

[Eudaimonium]

You're holding a bare laser diode. What did you expect?! You need a lens to focus that output into a beam.

Buy some of these:
HighTechDealZ - Aixiz Laser Module - Blank

You pressfit your diode into that, and it holds the lens in front of it.

Also, you need to take out your diode from that stock heatsink to install it into a housing.

 

[Jimmymcjimthejim]

Seems like you have everything hooked up correctly. The problem is the module you're using; this is a very important step because otherwise you will not be able to focus your laser. What is it that you're holding in the first picture?
What you need is the Aixiz module. Once you get it, you need to pressfit your diode into the module so that is it secure. Here's what a diode in an Aixiz module looks like:

Edit: What Eudaimonium said

 

[mateo124]

Ohh thanks I'm going to have to do that. Do you think I could extract the lens from the burner I used to test this first?

 

[Benm]

Nah, not really. You could try to position the lens relative to the diode to get a beam of sorts, but it will likely be of bad quality with a lot of artifacts.

You really need to get that diode installed in a proper aixiz module though. The little piece of metal is not enough to cool it, so keep it to a few seconds runtime until you fixed that.

 

[mateo124]

Does the Aixiz module have some type of heat sink?

 

[Helios]

Does the Aixiz module have some type of heat sink?

It has a bit more metal but not enough for a high power build and long run times. Your output looks just fine so there is no need to play around with the burner lens as a test. Just pick up an aixiz module (might as well get ten or so as YOU WILL need more in the future now that you built a laser) with the standard lens and you will have a nice tight beam.

 

[spanqee]

thanx mateo for posting that link, theres a few interesting step by step projects to follow there.
but im interested in a build that involves ttl or even better analog blanking, for a projector i daydream of. if i could obtain schematics for that i believe i can build it(i think i can, i think i can...):thinking: