The coherent laser diodes on ebay

[Konstantin]

Hello.
There are plenty of Coherent DPSS lasers out there on ebay.
For example this one doughnut http://cgi.ebay.com/Coherent-Donut-L...d=p3286.c0.m14



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.

[macona]

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.

[Konstantin]

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


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?

[DaveDoesIT]

Originally Posted by Konstantin 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

[Konstantin]

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.

[DaveDoesIT]

Originally Posted by 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

[MacGyver]

Originally Posted by DaveDoesIT Who says glass tube CO2 does not last?? {grin}

Those who pick up inexpensive (cheap?) Asian models...

[ImanCarrot]

[edit]BE WARNED: They can be pretty dangerous stuff to mess with[/edit]

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*

[Konstantin]

Yeah.
I like this warning:

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


Konstantin.

[ImanCarrot]

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.