Q&A for How to Build a High Powered Laser

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What is the heat sink for?

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The laser becomes very hot, and with electronics, heat is bad. With too much heat, components wear out or fail completely.

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Question

What’s the most that this laser can burn?

Phoenix lasers

Community Answer

This is a 100mw laser diode, so it could light a match, burn the surface of wood, and possibly cut electrical tape.

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Question

How do this work?

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Community Answer

It works by using a driver to regulate the power coming from the laser, and from there the power flows into the diode, lighting it up and producing a lot of light, which can be focused into a single point. The heat sink is to make sure that the diode does not overheat, but you still should not run it for a long time, because it still heats up.

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Question

Could I modify these plans to use a green laser diode from a laser pointer with a wavelength of 532nm and a "maximum" output of 240mw (many people have gotten higher power output with this model)?

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Community Answer

It is not really a modification, but yes you can. The first thing you need to do is adjust the driver to your desired current. After that, you should connect the driver to the diode, and last but not least, put the driver and diode in a module and hook it up to a power source. Make sure you use eye protection.

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Question

Can the laser burn wood?

Phoenix lasers

Community Answer

It can burn the surface of wood if it is focused, but it will not burn through it.

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