What are the latest diodes generally used for laser projectors?

[LagunaCyberGuy]

Hello,

Its been at least 3 years since I looked into using laser diodes to construct my home built projectors.
Power output around 8-10W or more combined.

Can anyone please tell me what is the best solution for RED, GREEN and BLUE diodes today. I hope there have been advancements in the technology for all three colors.

RED used to be the most difficult color to obtain with power and a small beam width. Is this still the case?

GREEN laser diodes were just starting to become popular but we're very expensive. What is generally being used today?

BLUE laser diodes were readily available with significant power outputs at a reasonable price. Has this improved as well?

Any updated information on new diodes you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

[mixedgas]

FAC corrected laser diode RGB modules are now far cheaper to buy then build unless you own a machine shop.


If you want a raw diode, well....

LASER TREE 455nm 5500mW High Power Blue Laser Diode with FAC Square

LASER TREE 639nm 2100mW High Power Red Laser Diode with FAC Square

LASER TREE 525nm 1500mW High Power Green Laser Diode with FAC Square

You can also use FAC rectangle and correction lens, up to you.

Otherwise, John at Technological Artisans is the US importer for FAC corrected Goldenstar Modules. 15 watts is now the minimum made. Anything less is a toy.

Steve

Steve

[TheHermit]

I recently purchased these Sparrow diode/lens/mount/TEC assemblies from Live LaserSystems in Austria They offer a wide variety of diodes, optics, mounts, and everything you might need for your DIY build.
! Tip: there's a hidden mouseover link located bottom center of every product box for more info.
I also recommend their analog ColorDrive + TEC driver boards, which are very advanced and provide excellent thermal regulation.
Phillip, their CEO monitors their website's chat, is very helpful, and personally tunes their drivers and focuses the sparrow collimation lens. Customer service doesn't get much better than that.

The only problem was with an uncooperative FedEx Customs agent, who impounded the shipment for 2 months, until some forms were completed.

Hope this info helps.
Roj

[mixedgas]

The trick is to design a beam waist right at / near the mirrors.
Easier said than done, but when you have good money its possible.
Well corrected laser projectors seem to have a waist at or near the mirror pair and the best spot size/shape at about 35 feet / 10 meters. I try to run my well corrected laser at ~ 35 feet from the graphics screen for this reason.

FAC in this case means remove the diode case, have a computer position a tiny bit of glass fiber or drawn glass rod lens in front of and at right angles to the diode chip to act as a cylindrical lens, and then resistive weld a new case on the diode, thus circularizing the beam as much as possible. Things matter like what the gas fill in the package is and the quality of the exit window. A company named Blue Sky technologies developed that.

Best that you can hope for a with a FAC corrected diode is equal H and V axis divergence, you still need collimators / other corrective optics.

I do know you can work wonders if you throw away some power from each diode's outer beam area.

I have no clue what Quant does. I have a few of their older OEM laser heads and they are well engineered.

I doubt they are fiber coupled in their new projectors, but I know they are FAC corrected at each diode.

Here's Eric's take on the matter, but he has room and doesn't do "roadie" style.

https://youtu.be/_POfjxeAEvU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMonZHMTra4

Steve