need 100mW+ laser, under $200

[Admin]

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 . . .

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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

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!

[airman00]

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

[spizzak]

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

[Admin]

awesome! thanks both of you guys!

[Admin]

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.911

I think I got excited too early . . . apparently I can't import them to the US . . .

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.

[Admin]

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!

[awally88]

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.

[RICEKING212]

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.

[awally88]

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!

[andd64]

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

[mdmedlin]

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