Question About Lens Refraction

[ScooterMcGooch]

Hey everyone,

I am planning to add a 20mw 445nm sighing diode to my current 9mm 445nm build. They will both be mounted in a custom host, but unfortunately adjustment of the diodes positions will be difficult once they are placed initially. My question is this:

Do different lenses cause different levels of refraction so as the beam emits from the forward side of the lens at different angles?

I am planning to use the completed laser for some college research, and part of that includes swapping lenses for varying levels of power. I just don't want to mount the sighting diode in the wrong position since I don't yet know what lens will be primarily used.

I would like to add the sighting diode ASAP, but should I wait until I choose the right lens for the job, or will it even matter?

For reference, the lenses I am considering using are the stock lens, G1, G2, Aixiz glass, as well a different 3 element lens.

Thanks!

Austin

 

[Cyparagon]

Why do you need a pointer on your pointer? Why 20mW and why 445nm? Why a separate diode?

 

[ScooterMcGooch]

Why do you need a pointer on your pointer? Why 20mW and why 445nm? Why a separate diode?

It isn't so much necessary as I think it would be neat. The completed design will essentially be a laser pistol. The 20mw module will be the "laser sight" of the pistol; I chose it because it will be inexpensive, the same wavelength as the main beam, and bright enough to be useful.

I am really only concerned with different beam angles being created by different lenses. Does this occur?

Austin

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

Cy is pointing out that you are using two diodes and both are 445nm.

 

[ScooterMcGooch]

Is that an issue? I just thought it would be nice to have the sight module the same wavelength as the main module.

 

[Speedy78]

You could do twin drivers. Firs on a low power one for your aiming and then run off another switch have the higher current one. So when both are on you get full power to the diode.

 

[ScooterMcGooch]

You could do twin drivers. Firs on a low power one for your aiming and then run off another switch have the higher current one. So when both are on you get full power to the diode.

That could work. Well with that aside, does anyone know if changing the lens would change the overall exit angle of the beam?

 

[Speedy78]

What do you mean by exit angle? The beam should come out straight from the diode regardless of lens. Unless its an difraction grating or line lens of course.

 

[ScooterMcGooch]

What do you mean by exit angle? The beam should come out straight from the diode regardless of lens. Unless its an difraction grating or line lens of course.

That's what I meant. I assumed the light would be directed in the same direction as the diode emits it, though I wasn't sure if common laser pointer lenses cause diffraction that would angle the beam away from its normal position.