Feasibility of converting a laserscope to a diode pumped system

[Gren]

I'm considering spending the cash to buy a laserscope 800, mainly for my own experimental purposes. Aside from the fact that I'd need to relocate the machine from texas to NY, I'm concerned about the power and cooling requirements. Ideally I'd like a laser that wouldn't require 208V at some 40 something amps!

I figure these requirements can be avoided by replacing the flashlamp with a system of diode bars. Building a constant current supply certainly isn't too hard, and since the diode bars would be centered around 808nm a good majority of the light would actually be used by the yag rod. Ideally this would increase the system's efficiency to a point where I can run it on a 120V, 20A circuit. But I must ask, what sort of hell would I need to go through to accomplish this?



Also, don't make this a "you'll burn your eye out, kid" thread. Yes, I know that 40W of green laser light is rightfully dangerous, but for the most part I'm not too concerned. It's not all that hard for one to avoid reflections, both specular and diffuse.

[mixedgas]

Do you have a NY License?

Laserscopes have been "Evil" in the forum's past, so you will find a great deal of reluctance to discuss this.

Recalculating the thermal lensing in the existing rod vs new rod is impossible to predict without measurements of both rods while pumped. DPSS uses a way different rod, usually much smaller in diameter, varying in percentage of doping for various reasons .So to do this you would need to model the new rod in the laserscope cavity in optical software. It would not be a plug-n-play operation, by any means.

DPSS conversions in the past have been less then sucessful. I've had the pump cavity and new rod in my hands while visiting a shop. It was not inexpensive, nor a great performer. The gentleman who did it is best described as "relentless", had a bottomless pit budget and hired a expert. Result, less then 1/3rd normal power with 120 watts pump.

Steve.

[Gren]

I do not, but nor do I have one for x-rays. http://imgur.com/a/CXITN

Nobody really bothers you around these parts if you're not causing any mischief or property damage. This laser will be used solely for my own experiments, certainly not for any sort of public/show work.

Considering anti-laser legislation is about as effective as prohibition, let's just keep this a purely technical thread and keep the legal issues for another time.

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Re Ninja edit:

Yes I'm aware of the prodjallen fiasco. In fact I IRC-talked to him way back in 2009 when I was still a HS freshman, though I had no idea about the brouhaha that went on here until recently. Regardless, I understand the forum's reluctance to talk about these systems. It's always better to be well-informed than uninformed, though.

What sort of optical software? Are there models for the laserscope 800?

[mixedgas]

[QUOTE=Gren;224992]I do not, but nor do I have one for x-rays. http://imgur.com/a/CXITN

Nobody really bothers you around these parts if you're not causing any mischief or property damage. This laser will be used solely for my own experiments, certainly not for any sort of public/show work.

End Quote.

Sorry, the last time I fell for that line, I ended up spending hours on the phone with some not so nice people.

Impressive X-Ray, but watch the backscatter.. I just spent six months working in a CT plant, and my NDA requires me to not comment further on the X-ray.

Steve

[dsli_jon]

Considering anti-laser legislation is about as effective as prohibition, let's just keep this a purely technical thread

#1, Sorry, wrong way to argue for help around these-parts.

#2, Forget it. There's a very-good reason that commercial DPSS 532 systems were-developed the way they were, and why you don't-already see 'modded' Laserscopes doing what you're proposing. Best to simply 'start from scratch', like Laser Innovations did, with their Genesis-system, Lee Laser, http://www.leelaser.com/ProductsLDPs.htm etc, etc...

..but if you get it knocked-together / greened-up, we'll cheer ya on...

..Sorry to come-across like an * but just callin it like it is...
j