Combining 473nm beams

[GooeyGus]

So a few weeks ago I got a CNI 100mW 473nm laser. Yesterday I found a SUPER good deal on another unit identical to this one, CNI 100mW. So now I will hopefully be able to build a 1W projector (200mW 473nm, 200mW 532nm and 600mW 650nm)

So, since these are two identical units, I'm guessing the polarization is going to be the same. To combine these two beams will I need to rotate and mount one of them 90 degrees in relation to the other? What would be the best way to do this? Or is there another way to rotate the polarization without rotating the entire unit?

Thanks!
Jason

[allthatwhichis]

The only way I have seen is to mount the one you want to rotate on to a plate for heat sinking and then mount the plate on a pair of "L" brackets. Might classify that as ghetto style. Otherwise you could spend a good chuck of change on a wave plate but I think you lose a lot with them.

[mixedgas]

waveplates are nearly lossless, its the quality of the incoming beam's polarization that matters. Blue dpss are inherently polarized, but may be circularly polarized. So check them with a chunk of polaroid before choosing. Flipping them on their side raises the issue of changing beam height. BTW, with 2 mirror bounces, you can rotate polarization, if done carefully during layout.

Steve

[mafu]

All you need in addition to your polarizing beamsplitter is a half wave plate. More details here: http://www.optical-components.com/half-wave-plate.html
Good luck!

[mccarrot]

Yes you need a y/2 waveplate and a PBS.

You can get them both from bridge.

Together it will cost you about 150usd

Good luck, and dont forget to post pictures.

[GooeyGus]

So I got my second laser today. Are there any tricks to determine the polarization without having a PBS cube?? I'm crossing my fingers that they just happen to be different

[GooeyGus]

A couple pictures of the twins

[Xytrell]

If you have any polarizing film (like from 3D glasses) you should be able to tell from that.

[mccarrot]

In a calculator youll find a polorizing window.

[bridge]

you need one blue PBS, .
Best regards!
Bridge