styropyro

monster red laser diode array

Added 2020-10-10 20:46:54 +0000 UTC

Integrated laser diode arrays are going to become the norm for many applications involving laser driven displays and high power lighting. That being said, single chip visible laser arrays are still in their early stages, and many of the manufacturers deny that they even exist at this point! That means that obtaining samples directly through the manufacturer as a hobbyist is currently impossible, but mysterious and shady sources have been selling the blue arrays for a year now (and were the source of the array in my 100W handheld laser)

I’ve been on the lookout for red and green versions of these arrays, but haven’t had any luck till recently. Then a couple weeks ago, a hobbyist on a laser forum scored ~25 red diode arrays in a one off eBay auction. The circumstances are extremely confusing to me, because even my sources in China don’t carry these, yet somehow these ended up being sold on eBay for extremely cheap. I’m not complaining though, because I bought some from the guy and they are definitely interesting.

These arrays are capable of at least a few tens of watts of red laser light, but the beam quality is pretty awful and nearly impossible to correct. The blue arrays are definitely better suited for fun high power laser gadgets. These are still fun and interesting though, and I’m planning on including a segment on these in my next video. Stay tuned!