Hello.
There are plenty of Coherent DPSS lasers out there on ebay.
For example this one doughnut http://cgi.ebay.com/Coherent-Donut-Laser-Diode-100W-803nm-Part-1088428_W0QQitemZ130270242688QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item130270242688&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://i24.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/c5/18/ab7f_1.JPG

What other parts are required to get one of those diodes working, cutting/engraving that is.

Another cuestion, the wattage that is specified is the Volt x Amp that the unit consumes, not the actual laser power, right?




Konstantin.

These laser modules are intended for pumping YAG or YLF rods. Not something you want to play with unless you have a bunch of extra bucks laying around.

Hi macona.
Thanks for the replay.
I guess that this isn't the usual laser to employ around here.
I want to understand the whole picture for using such lasers, there are plenty of them on ebay, FAPs and others. I ve also seen this YAG crystals.
However I cant get a clear idea of how the system looks like.

Kontantin.
P.S.
I came across this picture that made it more clear to me
http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/laserpic/c315h-x.jpg

So the laser diodes I see on ebay are just a part of the system. The ND:Yag crystal and HR/OC mirrors and other shenanigans make the assembly of a useful head beyound average hobbyist?

So the laser diodes I see on ebay are just a part of the system. The ND:Yag crystal and HR/OC mirrors and other shenanigans make the assembly of a useful head beyond average hobbyist?


It depends on what you regard as "average hobbyist.: Lots of good reading here...

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm

And here, starting with View08 is a 50 Watt laser I built into an engraving machine.

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserpic/co2pics.htm

I bought some of the stuff surplus and designed and built the rest of the electronics and hardware. Here are a couple more pics.

BE WARNED: They can be pretty dangerous stuff to mess with. I have never burned myself (been close) but there are quite a few dings and black spots around the garage and one small fire from careless starts. Complacency can be dangerous!! LOL

Dave

Nice laser tube Dave.

About hobbyists, I was talking about the DPSS lasers, I figure it is more complex that a CO2 laser.

Nice mount btw.
Who is the manufacturer of that tube?
Konstantin.

Who is the manufacturer of that tube?


Thanks for the comments Konstantin. There is a folded aluminum cover to go over that frame too. Quick release water and RF connectors, all very slick.

I don't know who made it. I bought it surplus about 6 years back. It was new and made in the US and was for a medical system. I could also have bought the reticulated arm beam delivery system, but passed on it as I figured if I wanted that kind of delivery system, I could make it for much less.

I remember contacting the makers back then to find out about powering it. I do recall they said it was priced at $15K just for the tube and I think I paid about 1/10th that. It may have been Coherent, I really can't remember. When I got it going it tested at 62 Watts for a rated 50W. Still going strong. Who says glass tube CO2 does not last?? {grin}

Dave

Who says glass tube CO2 does not last?? {grin}
Those who pick up inexpensive (cheap?) Asian models...

BE WARNED: They can be pretty dangerous stuff to mess with

lol, I was messing about with a CO2 laser doing some optical testing. I had beam expanders and off axis parabolas all setup but could smell something burning. It only seemed to happen when I was adjusting the optics...
"What the hell is that burning smell!?" I thought.
"Argh!... it's my bloody thumbnail!"
It had burned a nice perfect hole through my thumbnail *ouch*

Yeah.
I like this warning:

". DO NOT LOOK INTO THE LASER WITH THE REMAINING EYE"


Konstantin.

I like that one- gonna print and laminate it and stick it in the lab.

I got a certificate thing that allows me to operate and maintain high power lasers for a big defence contractor. As part of the training they have pictures of what lasers can do to eyes (rabbit eyes). It's not a pretty sight, made me feel a bit sick.