Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Admin on July 22, 2009, 08:55:35 AM

Title: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: Admin on July 22, 2009, 08:55:35 AM
I need a medium powered laser for a biochemistry experiment (energizing some molecules).

Basically I need from about 100mW to 200mW, although more is ok. Preferably under 400nm, around the UV spectrum, but not required.

Budget is under $300.

The best I can find is this:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=551-NX7338BF-AA-AZ
(310NM, 110mW, $210)

Using multiple lasers I've been told is unacceptable by my coworker, but I don't quite believe him . . .

------------

And another question . . . being a medium powered laser diode . . . anyone with experience on placing resistors in series with it? Can I treat it like a normal diode? Being $200+, I'd rather not burn it out ;D

I'm assuming a 10% efficiency, meaning probably 1 or 2 watts going through it, so I'd need a beefy resistor for sure . . . mmmmmm beef!
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: airman00 on July 22, 2009, 09:02:35 AM
Some blu-ray lasers are high power. Might find one surplus
http://www.lasersurplusparts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=46

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi0kmQCN8Vg
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: spizzak on July 22, 2009, 12:27:12 PM
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.911

This site has lasers really cheap.. typically the shorter wavelength, such as what you specified is really expensive but the green ones ~530nm are cheap. Not sure if they meet your needs, but worth a look. Also I think they have free shipping :)
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: Admin on July 22, 2009, 01:13:51 PM
awesome! thanks both of you guys! :)
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: Admin on July 22, 2009, 01:34:44 PM
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.911
I think I got excited too early . . . apparently I can't import them to the US . . .
Quote
Important FDA Warning for all >5mW Lasers: FDA advices all customers that these lasers may be purchased only if you are NOT a citizen of the United States and you are NOT currently living in the United States.
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: Admin on July 22, 2009, 01:44:46 PM
Ok even more bad news . . . spoke with my coworker, and he now says it needs to be closer to 360nm +/- 15nm. The blueray stuff is too long of a wavelength. I guess the little molecules absorb only certain wavelengths . . . I'm not a biochemist!

He was going to order the above stuff anyway to try out considering the price, but it wouldn't let him.

I think the foreign stuff is cheaper as its not certified or tested for safety like in the US . . . doh!
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: awally88 on July 22, 2009, 07:03:39 PM
Nitrogen lasers can get close to this frequency I believe, according to wiki they are ~337nm for standard ones but I saw other ones mentioned on the net which should be closer to what you want. I'm not sure if you are going to be able to get this for <$300.
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: RICEKING212 on July 22, 2009, 08:37:57 PM
At rayfoss.com there are 100mw green lasers for around $75~. I was thinking that when I get better at robotics, I would mount one of these suckers on top of a robot and shoot ballons!

After looking at where rayfoss is located, I have found that they are from China and I doubt you'll be able to pass the laser through customs like what you said. :(
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: awally88 on July 23, 2009, 08:21:23 AM
Quote
At rayfoss.com there are 100mw green lasers for around $75~.

Green lasers have a wavelength of 532 nm, read Admin's last post ;)

However that does look like a good laser shop for myself!
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: andd64 on August 05, 2009, 06:52:28 PM
Hey, this is the place i buy my lasers from.  I checked for your specs but they're crazy expensive.  Maybe you can find something else, but definitely check out this site:

http://www.aixiz.com/shop/index.php?cPath=1 (http://www.aixiz.com/shop/index.php?cPath=1)
Title: Re: need 100mW+ laser, under $200
Post by: mdmedlin on August 06, 2009, 01:59:56 AM
I found this web site, I am not sure if this is what you are looking for because they want an e-mail request for product.  I have an uv flashlight that I got from grainger but it is uv led so I am sure that is not what you are looking for but here is the link: http://www.crystalaser.com/home.htm