OEM laser diode system

I am a member of the Koch lab at the University of New Mexico. We primarily do single molecule force measurements on DNA and chromatin. To do these experiments, we needed a high power laser that was cheap and reliable. I was able to design and build (with the help of my lab mates) an OEM laser diode system using parts purchased mainly from Thorlabs and Digikey. These are my instructions on how to make our system. You can also find these instructions on the lab's website under our research tab.

The main reason we went with this design is cost. The total laser system is very cost effective for the amount of power one gets with it. But, because it is a research laser, this is not a build for the average do-it-yourselfer. Mainly due to cost. While it is cost effective for a lab, it is not so for an individual. If you are an individual and you want a laser diode system, I'd suggest you looking at the many builds on this site for taking apart a CD/DVD burner.

As a research laser, you are at your own risk for building it. If something breaks because of negligence, consider it a learning experience. If you hurt yourself when you build it, then you shouldn't have started this build. You should also read all the manuals associated with all parts of this build. If you don't, then you may be in for a world of hurt. Now that you are warned properly, enjoy the build and your new research quality laser system!

Of course one of the advantages to using this system is that when a diode burns out, that's all you have to replace. As opposed to commercial laser diode systems which have to be completely overhauled if something goes wrong.

Step 1: Parts list

Below is a list of parts needed for this project. Not included in this list are the tools needed. I will make sure to link to the tools we used for this build in the following steps.

Laser diode & temperature controller
Front Panel
Display panel
Temperature cooled mount for diode
Communication Cable
Cheap 35 mW Diode
Asphere for collimation
Asphere holder
Power Supply
Enclosure
Back plane connector
Fan
Headers
Header housings
Header crimp connector
Yellow LED
Gree LED
SPDT Switches
Banana plugs
Right angle headers
Standoffs
Feet
Copper clad proto board
DPST switch
Power cord
Heat shrink tubing
Wire
Fuse
Fuse holder
Power entry

Comments

[Resident Expolsives Expert]

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[jeff-o]

Whoa! $588 for the laser diode alone. You're right when you said this is not for individuals!

[amaloney]

Yep. Cost is a problem for individuals. But, the good thing is that the build is getting exposure and hopefully a start-up lab or start-up company will see this build and use it. It is a "cheap" and easy way for a start-up lab to make a very powerful laser diode to do things like optical tweezers, which is what we do. Considering that commercial laser diodes can run you well into the tens of thousands of dollars with less functionality than this build, this is cheap!