Laser is done. We make a powerful burning laser from a DVD drive with our own hands

Today we will talk about how to make your own powerful green or blue laser at home from improvised materials with your own hands. We will also consider drawings, diagrams and the device of home-made laser pointers with an ignition beam and a range of up to 20 km.

The basis of the laser device is an optical quantum generator, which, using electrical, thermal, chemical or other energy, produces a laser beam.

The operation of a laser is based on the phenomenon of stimulated (induced) radiation. Laser radiation can be continuous, with a constant power, or pulsed, reaching extremely high peak powers. The essence of the phenomenon is that an excited atom is able to emit a photon under the influence of another photon without its absorption, if the energy of the latter is equal to the difference in the energies of the levels of the atom before and after the radiation. In this case, the emitted photon is coherent to the photon that caused the radiation, that is, it is its exact copy. This is how the light is amplified. This phenomenon differs from spontaneous emission, in which the emitted photons have random directions of propagation, polarization and phase.
The probability that a random photon will cause stimulated emission of an excited atom is exactly equal to the probability of absorption of this photon by an atom in an unexcited state. Therefore, to amplify light, it is necessary that there be more excited atoms in the medium than unexcited ones. In the state of equilibrium, this condition is not satisfied; therefore, various systems for pumping the laser active medium (optical, electrical, chemical, etc.) are used. In some schemes, the working element of the laser is used as an optical amplifier for radiation from another source.

There is no external photon flux in a quantum generator; the inverse population is created inside it with the help of various pump sources. Depending on the sources, there are various pumping methods:
optical - powerful flash lamp;
gas discharge in the working substance (active medium);
injection (transfer) of current carriers in a semiconductor in the zone
rn transitions;
electronic excitation (vacuum irradiation of a pure semiconductor by a stream of electrons);
thermal (heating the gas with its subsequent rapid cooling;
chemical (using the energy of chemical reactions) and some others.

The primary source of generation is the process of spontaneous emission, therefore, to ensure the continuity of photon generations, it is necessary to have a positive feedback, due to which the emitted photons cause subsequent acts of stimulated emission. To do this, the laser active medium is placed in an optical resonator. In the simplest case, it consists of two mirrors, one of which is translucent - the laser beam partially exits the resonator through it.

Reflecting from the mirrors, the radiation beam repeatedly passes through the resonator, causing induced transitions in it. The radiation can be either continuous or pulsed. At the same time, using various devices for quickly turning off and on feedback and thereby reducing the pulse period, it is possible to create conditions for generating radiation of very high power - these are the so-called giant pulses. This mode of laser operation is called Q-switched mode.
The laser beam is a coherent, monochrome, polarized narrow beam of light. In a word, this is a beam of light emitted not only by synchronous sources, but also in a very narrow range, and directed. A sort of extremely concentrated luminous flux.

The radiation generated by the laser is monochromatic, the probability of emitting a photon of a certain wavelength is greater than that of a closely spaced one associated with the broadening of the spectral line, and the probability of induced transitions at this frequency also has a maximum. Therefore, gradually in the process of generation, photons of a given wavelength will dominate over all other photons. In addition, due to the special arrangement of mirrors, only those photons that propagate in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the resonator at a small distance from it are stored in the laser beam, the rest of the photons quickly leave the resonator volume. Thus, the laser beam has a very small angle of divergence. Finally, the laser beam has a strictly defined polarization. To do this, various polarizers are introduced into the resonator, for example, they can be flat glass plates installed at the Brewster angle to the direction of propagation of the laser beam.

What working fluid is used in the laser depends on its working wavelength, as well as other properties. The working body is "pumped" with energy to obtain the effect of electron population inversion, which causes stimulated emission of photons and the effect of optical amplification. The simplest form of an optical resonator is two parallel mirrors (there may also be four or more) located around the working body of the laser. The stimulated radiation of the working body is reflected back by the mirrors and again amplified. Until the moment of exit to the outside, the wave can be reflected many times.

So, let us briefly formulate the conditions necessary to create a source of coherent light:

you need a working substance with an inverse population. Only then it is possible to obtain amplification of light due to forced transitions;
the working substance should be placed between the mirrors that provide feedback;
the gain given by the working substance, which means that the number of excited atoms or molecules in the working substance must be greater than the threshold value, which depends on the reflection coefficient of the output mirror.

The following types of working bodies can be used in the design of lasers:

Liquid. It is used as a working fluid, for example, in dye lasers. The composition includes an organic solvent (methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol), in which chemical dyes (coumarin or rhodamine) are dissolved. The operating wavelength of liquid lasers is determined by the configuration of the dye molecules used.

Gases. In particular, carbon dioxide, argon, krypton, or gas mixtures, as in helium-neon lasers. "Pumping" the energy of these lasers is most often carried out with the help of electrical discharges.
Solids (crystals and glasses). The solid material of such working bodies is activated (alloyed) by adding a small amount of chromium, neodymium, erbium or titanium ions. Crystals commonly used are yttrium aluminum garnet, yttrium lithium fluoride, sapphire (aluminum oxide), and silicate glass. Solid state lasers are usually "pumped" with a flash lamp or other laser.

Semiconductors. A material in which the transition of electrons between energy levels can be accompanied by radiation. Semiconductor lasers are very compact, "pumped" with electric current, which allows them to be used in consumer devices such as CD players.

To turn the amplifier into a generator, you need to organize feedback. In lasers, it is achieved by placing the active substance between reflecting surfaces (mirrors), which form the so-called "open resonator" due to the fact that part of the energy emitted by the active substance is reflected from the mirrors and again returns to the active substance.

Optical cavities of various types are used in the Laser - with flat mirrors, spherical, combinations of flat and spherical, etc. In optical cavities providing feedback in the Laser, only certain certain types of electromagnetic field oscillations, which are called natural oscillations or modes of the resonator, can be excited.

Modes are characterized by frequency and shape, i.e., by the spatial distribution of oscillations. In a resonator with flat mirrors, the types of oscillations corresponding to plane waves propagating along the axis of the resonator are predominantly excited. A system of two parallel mirrors resonates only at certain frequencies - and also performs in the laser the role that an oscillatory circuit plays in conventional low-frequency generators.

The use of an open resonator (rather than a closed one - a closed metal cavity - characteristic of the microwave range) is fundamental, since in the optical range a resonator with dimensions L = ? (L is the characteristic size of the resonator,? is the wavelength) simply cannot be made, and for L >> ? a closed resonator loses its resonant properties as the number of possible modes of oscillation becomes so large that they overlap.

The absence of side walls significantly reduces the number of possible types of oscillations (modes) due to the fact that waves propagating at an angle to the resonator axis quickly go beyond its limits, and makes it possible to preserve the resonant properties of the resonator at L >> ?. However, the resonator in the laser not only provides feedback by returning the radiation reflected from the mirrors to the active substance, but also determines the laser radiation spectrum, its energy characteristics, and the radiation directivity.
In the simplest approximation of a plane wave, the resonance condition in a resonator with flat mirrors is that an integer number of half-waves fit along the length of the resonator: L=q(?/2) (q is an integer), which leads to an expression for the oscillation type frequency with the index q: ?q=q(C/2L). As a result, the emission spectrum of L., as a rule, is a set of narrow spectral lines, the intervals between which are the same and equal to c / 2L. The number of lines (components) for a given length L depends on the properties of the active medium, i.e., on the spectrum of spontaneous emission at the quantum transition used, and can reach several tens and hundreds. Under certain conditions, it turns out to be possible to isolate one spectral component, i.e., to implement a single-mode generation regime. The spectral width of each of the components is determined by the energy losses in the resonator and, first of all, by the transmission and absorption of light by the mirrors.

The frequency profile of the gain in the working medium (it is determined by the width and shape of the line of the working medium) and the set of natural frequencies of the open resonator. For open resonators with a high quality factor used in lasers, the cavity bandwidth ??p, which determines the width of the resonance curves of individual modes, and even the distance between adjacent modes ??h, turn out to be smaller than the gain linewidth ??h, and even in gas lasers, where line broadening is minimal. Therefore, several types of resonator oscillations fall into the amplification circuit.

Thus, the laser does not necessarily generate at one frequency; more often, on the contrary, generation occurs simultaneously at several types of oscillations, for which gain? more losses in the resonator. In order for the laser to operate at one frequency (in the single-frequency mode), it is usually necessary to take special measures (for example, increase the losses, as shown in Figure 3) or change the distance between the mirrors so that only one fashion. Since in optics, as noted above, ?h > ?p and the generation frequency in a laser is determined mainly by the resonator frequency, it is necessary to stabilize the resonator in order to keep the generation frequency stable. So, if the gain in the working substance covers the losses in the resonator for certain types of oscillations, generation occurs on them. The seed for its occurrence is, as in any generator, noise, which is spontaneous emission in lasers.
In order for the active medium to emit coherent monochromatic light, it is necessary to introduce feedback, i.e., send part of the light flux emitted by this medium back into the medium for stimulated emission. Positive feedback is carried out using optical resonators, which in the elementary version are two coaxial (parallel and along the same axis) mirrors, one of which is translucent, and the other is "deaf", i.e., completely reflects the light flux. The working substance (active medium), in which the inverse population is created, is placed between the mirrors. Stimulated radiation passes through the active medium, is amplified, reflected from the mirror, again passes through the medium, and is further amplified. Through a translucent mirror, part of the radiation is emitted into the external medium, and part is reflected back into the medium and again amplified. Under certain conditions, the photon flux inside the working substance will begin to grow like an avalanche, and the generation of monochromatic coherent light will begin.

The principle of operation of an optical resonator, the predominant number of particles of the working substance, represented by light circles, are in the ground state, i.e., at the lower energy level. Only a small number of particles, represented by dark circles, are in an electronically excited state. When the working substance is exposed to a pumping source, the main number of particles goes into an excited state (the number of dark circles has increased), and an inverse population is created. Further (Fig. 2c), spontaneous emission of some particles in an electronically excited state occurs. Radiation directed at an angle to the resonator axis will leave the working substance and the resonator. Radiation directed along the resonator axis will approach the mirror surface.

At a semitransparent mirror, part of the radiation will pass through it into the environment, and part will be reflected and again directed to the working substance, involving particles in an excited state in the process of stimulated emission.

At the “deaf” mirror, the entire ray flux will be reflected and again pass through the working substance, inducing the radiation of all remaining excited particles, which reflects the situation when all excited particles gave up their stored energy, and at the output of the resonator, on the side of the semitransparent mirror, a powerful flux of induced radiation was formed.

The main structural elements of lasers include a working substance with certain energy levels of their constituent atoms and molecules, a pump source that creates an inverse population in the working substance, and an optical resonator. There are a large number of different lasers, but they all have the same and, moreover, a simple circuit diagram of the device, which is shown in Fig. 3.

The exception is semiconductor lasers due to their specificity, since they have everything special: the physics of the processes, the pumping methods, and the design. Semiconductors are crystalline formations. In a separate atom, the energy of an electron takes strictly defined discrete values, and therefore the energy states of an electron in an atom are described in terms of levels. In a semiconductor crystal, energy levels form energy bands. In a pure semiconductor that does not contain any impurities, there are two zones: the so-called valence band and the conduction band located above it (on the energy scale).

Between them there is a gap of forbidden energy values, which is called the band gap. At a semiconductor temperature equal to absolute zero, the valence band must be completely filled with electrons, and the conduction band must be empty. In real conditions, the temperature is always above absolute zero. But an increase in temperature leads to thermal excitation of electrons, some of them jump from the valence band to the conduction band.

As a result of this process, a certain (relatively small) number of electrons appears in the conduction band, and the corresponding number of electrons will be lacking in the valence band until it is completely filled. An electron vacancy in the valence band is represented by a positively charged particle, which is called a hole. The quantum transition of an electron through the band gap from bottom to top is considered as the process of generating an electron-hole pair, with electrons concentrated at the lower edge of the conduction band, and holes - at the upper edge of the valence band. Transitions through the forbidden zone are possible not only from the bottom up, but also from the top down. This process is called electron-hole recombination.

When a pure semiconductor is irradiated with light whose photon energy somewhat exceeds the band gap, three types of interaction of light with a substance can occur in a semiconductor crystal: absorption, spontaneous emission, and stimulated emission of light. The first type of interaction is possible when a photon is absorbed by an electron located near the upper edge of the valence band. In this case, the energy power of the electron will become sufficient to overcome the band gap, and it will make a quantum transition to the conduction band. Spontaneous emission of light is possible with the spontaneous return of an electron from the conduction band to the valence band with the emission of an energy quantum - a photon. External radiation can initiate a transition to the valence band of an electron located near the lower edge of the conduction band. The result of this third type of interaction of light with the substance of a semiconductor will be the birth of a secondary photon, identical in its parameters and direction of motion to the photon that initiated the transition.

To generate laser radiation, it is necessary to create an inverse population of “working levels” in the semiconductor - to create a sufficiently high concentration of electrons at the lower edge of the conduction band and, accordingly, a high concentration of holes at the edge of the valence band. For these purposes, pure semiconductor lasers usually use pumping with an electron beam.

The mirrors of the resonator are the polished edges of the semiconductor crystal. The disadvantage of such lasers is that many semiconductor materials generate laser radiation only at very low temperatures, and the bombardment of semiconductor crystals by an electron beam causes it to be strongly heated. This requires additional cooling devices, which complicates the design of the apparatus and increases its dimensions.

The properties of doped semiconductors differ significantly from those of undoped, pure semiconductors. This is due to the fact that the atoms of some impurities easily donate one of their electrons to the conduction band. These impurities are called donor impurities, and a semiconductor with such impurities is called an n-semiconductor. Atoms of other impurities, on the contrary, capture one electron from the valence band, and such impurities are acceptor, and a semiconductor with such impurities is a p-semiconductor. The energy level of the impurity atoms is located inside the band gap: for n-semiconductors - not far from the lower edge of the conduction band, for f-semiconductors - near the upper edge of the valence band.

If an electric voltage is created in this region so that there is a positive pole on the side of the p-semiconductor and a negative pole on the side of the n-semiconductor, then under the action of the electric field, electrons from the n-semiconductor and holes from the p-semiconductor will move (inject) into area pn - transition.

During the recombination of electrons and holes, photons will be emitted, and in the presence of an optical resonator, generation of laser radiation is possible.

The mirrors of the optical resonator are the polished faces of the semiconductor crystal, oriented perpendicular to the pn junction plane. Such lasers are characterized by miniaturization, since the dimensions of the semiconductor active element can be about 1 mm.

Depending on the feature under consideration, all lasers are subdivided as follows).

First sign. It is customary to distinguish between laser amplifiers and generators. In amplifiers, weak laser radiation is supplied at the input, and at the output it is correspondingly amplified. There is no external radiation in the generators; it arises in the working substance due to its excitation with the help of various pump sources. All medical laser devices are generators.

The second sign is the physical state of the working substance. In accordance with this, lasers are divided into solid-state (ruby, sapphire, etc.), gas (helium-neon, helium-cadmium, argon, carbon dioxide, etc.), liquid (liquid dielectric with impurity working atoms of rare earth metals) and semiconductor (arsenide -gallium, arsenide-phosphide-gallium, selenide-lead, etc.).

The method of excitation of the working substance is the third distinguishing feature of lasers. Depending on the excitation source, there are lasers with optical pumping, with pumping due to a gas discharge, electronic excitation, charge carrier injection, with thermal, chemical pumping, and some others.

The emission spectrum of the laser is the next sign of classification. If the radiation is concentrated in a narrow wavelength range, then it is customary to consider the laser to be monochromatic and a specific wavelength is indicated in its technical data; if in a wide range, then the laser should be considered broadband and the wavelength range should be indicated.

According to the nature of the emitted energy, pulsed lasers and continuous-wave lasers are distinguished. The concepts of a pulsed laser and a laser with frequency modulation of continuous radiation should not be confused, since in the second case we get, in fact, discontinuous radiation of different frequencies. Pulsed lasers have a high power in a single pulse, reaching 10 W, while their average pulse power, determined by the corresponding formulas, is relatively low. For cw lasers with frequency modulation, the power in the so-called pulse is lower than the power of continuous radiation.

According to the average output radiation power (the next classification feature), lasers are divided into:

high-energy (created flux density radiation power on the surface of an object or biological object - more than 10 W/cm2);

medium-energy (created flux density radiation power - from 0.4 to 10 W / cm2);

· low-energy (created flux density radiation power - less than 0.4 W/cm2).

soft (generated energy exposure - E or power flux density on the irradiated surface - up to 4 mW/cm2);

average (E - from 4 to 30 mW/cm2);

hard (E - more than 30 mW / cm2).

In accordance with the Sanitary Norms and Rules for the Design and Operation of Lasers No. 5804-91, according to the degree of danger of the generated radiation for the operating personnel, lasers are divided into four classes.

Lasers of the first class include such technical devices, the output collimated (contained in a limited solid angle) radiation of which does not pose a danger when irradiated to the eyes and skin of a person.

Lasers of the second class are devices whose output radiation is dangerous when exposed to the eyes by direct and specularly reflected radiation.

Lasers of the third class are devices whose output radiation is dangerous when the eyes are exposed to direct and specularly reflected, as well as diffusely reflected radiation at a distance of 10 cm from a diffusely reflective surface, and (or) when the skin is exposed to direct and specularly reflected radiation.

Lasers of the fourth class are devices whose output radiation is dangerous when the skin is exposed to diffusely reflected radiation at a distance of 10 cm from a diffusely reflective surface.

Man has learned many technical inventions by observing natural phenomena, analyzing them and applying the acquired knowledge in the surrounding reality. So man got the ability to kindle a fire, created a wheel, learned to generate electricity, got control over a nuclear reaction.

Unlike all these inventions, the laser has no analogues in nature. Its emergence was associated solely with theoretical assumptions within the framework of emerging quantum physics. The existence of the principle that formed the basis of the laser was predicted at the beginning of the 20th century by the greatest scientist Albert Einstein.

The word "laser" appeared as a result of the reduction of five words describing the essence of the physical process to the first letters. In the Russian version, this process is called "amplification of light with the help of stimulated emission."

According to the principle of its operation, the laser is a quantum generator of photons. The essence of the phenomenon underlying it is that under the action of energy in the form of a photon, an atom emits another photon, which is identical to the first one in the direction of motion, its phase and polarization. As a result, the emitted light is amplified.

This phenomenon is impossible under conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium. Various methods are used to create induced radiation: electrical, chemical, gas, and others. Lasers used in the home (laser disk drives, laser printers) use semiconductor method stimulation of radiation under the action of an electric current.

The principle of operation is the passage of an air flow through the heater into the hot air gun tube and, having reached the set temperatures, it enters the part to be soldered through special nozzles.

In the event of a malfunction, the welding inverter can be repaired by hand. You can read repair tips.

In addition, a necessary component of any full-fledged laser is optical resonator, the function of which is to amplify the beam of light by reflecting it multiple times. For this purpose, mirrors are used in laser systems.

It should be said that creating a real powerful laser with your own hands at home is unrealistic. For this, it is necessary to have special knowledge, carry out complex calculations, and have a good material and technical base.

For example, laser machines that can cut metal are extremely hot and require extreme cooling measures, including the use of liquid nitrogen. In addition, devices based on the quantum principle are extremely capricious, require the finest tuning and do not tolerate even the slightest deviation from the required parameters.

Required Components for Assembly

To assemble a laser circuit with your own hands, you will need:

Rewritable DVD-ROM (RW). It incorporates a red laser diode with a power of 300 mW. You can use laser diodes from BLU-RAY-ROM-RW - they emit violet light with a power of 150 mW. For our purposes, the best ROMs are those with faster write speeds: they are more powerful.
Pulse NCP1529. The converter outputs a current of 1A, stabilizes the voltage in the range of 0.9-3.9 V. These indicators are ideal for our laser diode, which requires a constant voltage of 3 V.
Collimator for obtaining an even beam of light. Now on sale are numerous laser modules from various manufacturers, including collimators.
Output lens from ROM.
Housing, for example, from a laser pointer or flashlight.
Wires.
Batteries 3.6 V.

To connect the parts, it will be necessary to determine which cable is phase, and where is zero and ground. This will help such a tool as.

In this way, the simplest laser can be assembled. What can such a handicraft "light amplifier" do:

Light a match from a distance.
Melt plastic bags and thin paper.
Emit a beam at a distance of more than 100 meters.

Such a laser is dangerous: it will not burn skin or clothing, but it can damage the eyes.

Therefore, you need to use such a device carefully: do not shine it on reflective surfaces (mirrors, glasses, reflectors) and, in general, be extremely careful - the beam can cause harm if it hits the eye even from a distance of one hundred meters.

Do-it-yourself laser on video

Making a powerful burning laser with your own hands is a simple task, however, in addition to the ability to use a soldering iron, care and accuracy of the approach will be required. It should be noted right away that deep knowledge of electrical engineering is not needed here, and you can make a device even at home. The main thing during work is the observance of safety precautions, since exposure to a laser beam is detrimental to the eyes and skin.

The laser is a dangerous toy that can be harmful to health if used carelessly. Do not aim the laser at people or animals!

What will be required?

Any laser can be divided into several components:

luminous flux emitter;
optics;
source of power;
current power stabilizer (driver).

To make a powerful homemade laser, you will need to consider all these components separately. The most practical and easy to assemble is a laser based on a laser diode, and we will consider it in this article.

Where can I get a diode for a laser?

The working body of any laser is a laser diode. You can buy it at almost any radio store, or get it from a non-working CD drive. The fact is that the inoperability of the drive is rarely associated with the failure of the laser diode. Having a broken drive available, you can get the desired element at no extra cost. But you need to take into account that its type and properties depend on the modification of the drive.

The weakest laser operating in the infrared range is installed in CD-ROM drives. Its power is only enough to read CDs, and the beam is almost invisible and is not capable of burning through objects. The CD-RW has a more powerful laser diode, suitable for burning, and rated for the same wavelength. It is considered the most dangerous, as it emits a beam in the spectrum invisible to the eye.

The DVD-ROM drive is equipped with two weak laser diodes, which only have enough energy to read CDs and DVDs. The DVD-RW burner has a high power red laser. Its beam is visible in any light and can easily ignite some objects.

The BD-ROM has a purple or blue laser, which is similar in parameters to the DVD-ROM counterpart. From BD-RE writers you can get the most powerful laser diode with a beautiful violet or blue beam that can burn. However, it is quite difficult to find such a drive for disassembly, and a working device is expensive.

The most suitable is a laser diode taken from a DVD-RW disc burner. The highest quality laser diodes are installed in LG, Sony and Samsung drives.

The higher the write speed of a DVD drive, the more powerful the laser diode installed in it.

Drive disassembly

With the drive in front of you, first remove the top cover by unscrewing 4 screws. Then the movable mechanism is removed, which is located in the center and is connected to the printed circuit board with a flexible cable. The next target is a laser diode reliably pressed into a radiator made of aluminum or duralumin alloy. Before dismantling it, it is recommended to provide protection against static electricity. To do this, the leads of the laser diode are soldered or wrapped with a thin copper wire.

Further, two options are possible. The first involves the operation of the finished laser in the form of a stationary installation together with a standard radiator. The second option is to assemble the device in the body of a portable flashlight or laser pointer. In this case, you will have to apply force to bite through or cut the radiator without damaging the radiating element.

Driver

The power supply of the laser must be taken responsibly. As with LEDs, this must be a constant current source. There are many circuits on the Internet that are powered by a battery or battery through a limiting resistor. The sufficiency of such a solution is doubtful, since the voltage on the battery or battery varies depending on the level of charge. Accordingly, the current flowing through the laser emitting diode will deviate greatly from the nominal value. As a result, the device will not work efficiently at low currents, and at high currents it will lead to a rapid decrease in the intensity of its radiation.

The best option is to use the simplest current stabilizer built on the base. This microcircuit belongs to the category of universal integrated stabilizers with the ability to independently set the current and voltage at the output. The microcircuit operates in a wide range of input voltages: from 3 to 40 volts.

An analogue of the LM317 is the domestic chip KR142EN12.

For the first laboratory experiment, the scheme below is suitable. The calculation of the only resistor in the circuit is carried out according to the formula: R = I / 1.25, where I is the rated laser current (reference value).

Sometimes at the output of the stabilizer, a polar capacitor of 2200 uFx16 V and a non-polar capacitor of 0.1 uF are installed in parallel with the diode. Their participation is justified in the case of supplying voltage to the input from a stationary power supply, which can miss an insignificant variable component and impulse noise. One of these circuits, designed to be powered by a Krona battery or a small battery, is presented below.

The diagram shows the approximate value of the resistor R1. For its exact calculation, you must use the above formula.

Having assembled the electrical circuit, you can make a preliminary inclusion and, as proof of the circuit's operability, observe the bright red scattered light of the emitting diode. Having measured its real current and case temperature, it is worth thinking about the need to install a radiator. If the laser is to be used in a stationary installation at high currents for a long time, then passive cooling must be provided. Now, to achieve the goal, there is very little left: to focus and get a narrow beam of high power.

Optics

In scientific terms, it's time to build a simple collimator, a device for obtaining beams of parallel light beams. An ideal option for this purpose would be a standard lens taken from the drive. With its help, you can get a fairly thin laser beam with a diameter of about 1 mm. The amount of energy of such a beam is enough to burn through paper, fabric and cardboard in a matter of seconds, melt plastic and burn wood. If you focus a thinner beam, then this laser can cut plywood and plexiglass. But it is quite difficult to adjust and securely fix the lens from the drive due to its small focal length.

It is much easier to build a collimator based on a laser pointer. In addition, a driver and a small battery can be placed in its case. The output will be a beam with a diameter of about 1.5 mm of a smaller burning effect. In foggy weather or with heavy snowfall, incredible lighting effects can be observed by directing the light flux into the sky.

Through the online store you can purchase a ready-made collimator, specially designed for mounting and adjusting the laser. Its body will serve as a radiator. Knowing the dimensions of all the components of the device, you can buy a cheap LED flashlight and use its body.

In conclusion, I would like to add a few phrases about the dangers of laser radiation. First, never direct the laser beam into the eyes of people or animals. This leads to severe visual impairment. Secondly, wear green goggles while experimenting with the red laser. They prevent the passage of most of the red component of the spectrum. The amount of light that passes through the glasses depends on the wavelength of the radiation. Looking at the laser beam from the side without protective equipment is only allowed for a short time. Otherwise, pain in the eyes may appear.

How to find out the power of a laser diode?

You can determine the laser power by the characteristics of the write speed of dual-layer discs:

1. Speed 10X, laser power 170-200 milliwatts.
2. Speed 16X, laser power 250-270 milliwatts.

Instruction. How to make a laser?

Step #1. Spin the DVD drive and open the cover. We release and take out the carriage (the structure of the drive may differ, but each drive has two guides along which the carriage moves) and disconnect all cables.

Step #2. Having freed the carriage, we proceed to unwind the screws and parts to free the diode itself. The drive can have two diode lasers:

1. To read the disc (infrared diode).
2. To record a disc (red diode).

The right diode (red) has a board attached to it, use a regular soldering iron to release the diode.

Step #3. After a short process, we should get the diode in this form.

In every house there is an old worn-out technique. Someone throws it in a landfill, and some craftsmen try to use it for some homemade inventions. So the old laser pointer can be put to good use - it is possible to make a laser cutter with your own hands.

To make a real laser from a harmless trinket, you need to prepare the following items:

laser pointer;
flashlight with rechargeable batteries;
old, maybe not a working CD / DVD-RW writer. The main thing is that he has a drive with a working laser;
a set of screwdrivers and a soldering iron. It is better to use a branded cutter, but in the absence of a regular one, it may also work.

Making a laser cutter

First you need to remove the laser cutter from the drive. This work is not difficult, but you will have to be patient and pay maximum attention. Since it contains a large number of wires, their structure is the same. When choosing a drive, it is important to consider the presence of a writing option, since it is in this model that a laser can make recordings. Recording is done by evaporating a thin layer of metal from the disk itself. In the case when the laser works for reading, it is used at half strength, highlighting the disk.

When dismantling the top fasteners, you can find a carriage with a laser located in it, which is able to move in two directions. It should be carefully removed by unscrewing, there are a large number of detachable devices and screws that are important to carefully remove. For further work, a red diode is needed, with which the burning is carried out. To remove it, you will need a soldering iron, and you also need to carefully remove the fasteners. It is important to note that an indispensable part for the manufacture of a laser cutter cannot be shaken and dropped, therefore, it is recommended to be careful when removing the laser diode.

How the main element of the future laser model will be removed, you need to carefully weigh everything and figure out where to put it and how to connect the power supply to it, since the writing laser diode needs much more current than the diode from the laser pointer, and in this case you can use several ways.

Next, the diode in the pointer is replaced. To create a powerful laser pointer, the native diode must be removed, in its place it is necessary to install a similar one from the CD / DVD-RW drive. The pointer is disassembled in sequence. It must be untwisted and divided into two parts, on top is the part that needs to be replaced. The old diode is removed and the required diode is installed in its place, which can be fixed with glue. There are cases when it can be difficult to remove the old diode, in this situation you can use a knife and shake the pointer a little.

The next step will be the manufacture of a new case. So that the future laser can be conveniently used, connect power to it and to give it an impressive look, you can use the flashlight case. The converted upper part of the laser pointer is installed into a flashlight and power is supplied to it from rechargeable batteries, which is connected to the diode. It is important not to reverse the polarity of the power supply. Before assembling the flashlight, the glass and parts of the pointer must be removed, as it will not conduct the direct path of the laser beam well.

The last step is preparation for use. Before connecting, it is necessary to check the strength of the laser fixing, the correct connection of the polarity of the wires and whether the laser is level.

After completing these simple steps, the laser cutter is ready for use. Such a laser can be used to burn through paper, polyethylene, to ignite matches. The scope can be extensive, everything will depend on the imagination.

Additional points

You can make a more powerful laser. For its manufacture you will need:

DVD-RW drive, can be in non-working condition;
capacitors 100 pF and 100 mF;
resistor 2-5 ohm;
three rechargeable batteries;
wires with a soldering iron;
collimator;
steel LED flashlight.

This is the uncomplicated kit that comes with the assembly of the driver, which, using the board, will bring the laser cutter to the required power. The current source cannot be connected directly to the diode, as it will instantly deteriorate. It is also important to consider that the laser diode must be powered by current, not voltage.

The collimator is a housing equipped with a lens, thanks to which all the rays converge into one narrow beam. Such devices are purchased at radio parts stores. They are convenient in that they already have a place for installing a laser diode, and as for the cost, it is quite small, only 200-500 rubles.

You can, of course, use a case from a pointer, but it will be difficult to attach a laser in it. Such models are made of plastic material, and this will lead to heating of the case, and it will not be cooled enough.

The manufacturing principle is similar to the previous one, since in this case a laser diode from a DVD-RW drive is also used.

During manufacture, antistatic wrist straps must be used.

This is necessary to remove static from the laser diode, it is very sensitive. In the absence of bracelets, you can get by with improvised means - you can wind a thin wire around the diode. Next comes the driver.

Before assembling the entire device, the operation of the driver is checked. In this case, it is necessary to connect a non-working or second diode and measure the strength of the supplied current with a multimeter. Given the speed of the current, it is important to select its strength according to the norms. For many models, a current of 300-350 mA is applicable, and for faster ones, 500 mA can be used, but a completely different driver must be used for this.

Of course, any non-professional technician can assemble such a laser, but nevertheless, for beauty and convenience, it is most reasonable to build such a device in a more aesthetic case, and which one to use can be chosen for every taste. It will be most practical to assemble it in the case of an LED flashlight, since its dimensions are compact, only 10x4 cm. But still, you do not need to carry such a device in your pocket, as the relevant authorities may make claims. Such a device is best stored in a special case to avoid dusting the lens.

It is important not to forget that the device is a kind of weapon that should be used with caution and should not be directed at animals and people, as it is very dangerous and can be harmful to health, the most dangerous is the direction in the eyes. It is dangerous to give such devices to children.

The laser can be equipped with various devices, and then a fairly powerful sight for weapons, both pneumatic and firearms, will come out of a harmless toy.

Here are some simple tips for making a laser cutter. Having slightly improved this design, it is possible to make cutters for cutting acrylic material, plywood and plastic, and to engrave.

Hello ladies and gentlemen. Today I am opening a series of articles on powerful lasers, because habrapoisk says that people are looking for similar articles. I want to tell you how you can make a fairly powerful laser at home, and also teach you how to use this power not just for the sake of “shine on the clouds”.

A warning!

The article describes the manufacture of a high-power laser ( 300mW ~ power 500 Chinese pointers), which can harm your health and the health of others! Be extremely careful! Use safety goggles and do not point the laser beam at people or animals!

Let's find out.

On Habré, articles about portable lasers Dragon Lasers, such as Hulk, slipped just a couple of times. In this article I will tell you how you can make a laser that is not inferior in power to most models sold in this store.

Cooking.

First you need to prepare all the components:
- non-working (or working) DVD-RW drive with a recording speed of 16x or higher;
- capacitors 100 pF and 100 mF;
- resistor 2-5 Ohm;
- three AAA batteries;
- soldering iron and wires;
- collimator (or Chinese pointer);
- steel LED lamp.

This is a necessary minimum for the manufacture of a simple driver model. The driver is, in fact, a board that will output our laser diode to the required power. It is not worth connecting the power source directly to the laser diode - it will fail. The laser diode must be powered by current, not voltage.

A collimator is, in fact, a module with a lens that reduces all radiation into a narrow beam. Ready-made collimators can be bought at radio stores. These already immediately have a convenient place to install a laser diode, and the cost is 200-500 rubles.

You can also use a collimator from a Chinese pointer, however, the laser diode will be difficult to fix, and the body of the collimator itself will most likely be made of metallized plastic. So our diode will be poorly cooled. But this is also possible. This option can be seen at the end of the article.

We do.

First you need to get the laser diode itself. This is a very fragile and small part of our DVD-RW drive - be careful. A powerful red laser diode is located in the carriage of our drive. You can distinguish it from a weak one by a larger radiator than a conventional IR diode.

It is recommended to use an anti-static wrist strap as the laser diode is very sensitive to static electricity. If there is no bracelet, then you can wrap the diode leads with a thin wire while it waits for installation in the case.

According to this scheme, you need to solder the driver.

Do not reverse the polarity! The laser diode will also fail instantly if the polarity of the input power is reversed.

The diagram shows a 200 mF capacitor, however, 50-100 mF is enough for portability.

We try.

Before installing the laser diode and assembling everything into the case, check the driver's performance. Connect another laser diode (non-working or the second one from the drive) and measure the current with a multimeter. Depending on the speed characteristics, the current strength must be selected correctly. For 16x models, 300-350mA is quite suitable. For the fastest 22x, even 500mA can be applied, but with a completely different driver, the manufacture of which I plan to describe in another article.

Looks terrible, but it works!

Aesthetics.

You can brag about a laser assembled by weight only in front of the same crazy techno-maniacs, but for beauty and convenience it is better to assemble it in a convenient case. Here it is better to choose the way you like it. I mounted the whole circuit in a regular LED flashlight. Its dimensions do not exceed 10x4cm. However, I do not advise you to carry it with you: you never know what claims can be made by the relevant authorities. And it is better to store in a special case so that the sensitive lens does not get dusty.

This is an option with minimal cost - a collimator from a Chinese pointer is used:

Using a factory-produced module will produce the following results:

The laser beam is visible in the evening:

And, of course, in the dark:

Maybe.

Yes, I want to tell and show in the following articles how such lasers can be used. How to make much more powerful specimens that can cut metal and wood, and not just set fire to matches and melt plastic. How to make holograms and scan objects to get 3D Studio Max models. How to make powerful green or blue lasers. The scope of lasers is quite wide, and one article is not enough.

Need to remember.

Don't forget about safety! Lasers are not toys! Take care of your eyes!

At the mention of the laser, most people immediately recall episodes from science fiction films. However, such an invention has long and tightly entered our lives and is not something fantastic. The laser has found its application in many areas, from medicine and manufacturing to entertainment. Therefore, many become interested in whether and how to make a laser yourself.

Making a laser at home

Depending on the specifics and the requirements put forward, lasers are completely different, both in size (from pocket pointers to the size of a football field), and in power, working media used and other parameters. Of course, it is impossible to make a powerful production beam on your own at home, since these are not only technically complex devices, but also things that are very capricious in maintenance. But a simple, but reliable and powerful do-it-yourself laser can be sculpted from an ordinary DVD-RW drive.

Principle of operation

The word "laser" came to us from the English language "laser", which is an abbreviation of the first letters of a much more complex name: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation and literally translates as "amplification of light by stimulated emission." It can also be called an optical quantum generator. There are a lot of types of lasers, and the scope of their application is extremely extensive.

The principle of its operation is to convert one energy (light, chemical, electrical) into the energy of various radiation fluxes, that is, it is based on the phenomenon of stimulated or induced radiation.

Conventionally, the principle of operation displays the following drawing:

Materials required for work

When describing the basics of the laser, everything looks complicated and incomprehensible. In fact, making a laser with your own hands at home is extremely simple. You will need some accessories and tools:

The most basic thing you need to create a laser is a DVD-RW drive, i.e. a burner from a computer or player. The higher the recording speed, the more powerful the product itself will be. It is preferable to take drives with a speed of 22X, since its power is the highest, about 300 mW. At the same time, they differ in color: red, green, purple. As for non-writing ROMs, they are too weak. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that after manipulations with the drive it will no longer work, so it is worth taking either an already out-of-service, but with a working laser, or one that you won’t be sorry to say goodbye to.
You will also need a current stabilizer, although there is a desire to do without it. But it is worth knowing that all diodes (and the laser one is no exception) “prefer” not voltage, but current. The cheapest and preferred options are the NCP1529 pulse converter or the LM317 microcircuit (similar to KR142EN12).
The output resistor is selected depending on the power supply current of the laser diode. It is calculated by the formula: R=I/1.25, where I is the rated current of the laser.
Two capacitors: 0.1uF and 100uF.
Collimator or laser pointer.
AAA batteries.
Wires.
Tool: soldering iron, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

Removing the laser diode from the DVD drive

The main part that needs to be removed is the laser from the dvd drive. This is not difficult to do, but it is worth knowing some of the nuances that will help to avoid possible misunderstandings during work.

First of all, the DVD drive must be disassembled in order to get to the carriage, on which the laser diodes are located. One of them is a reader - he is too weak. The second writer is exactly what you need to make a laser from a dvd drive.

On the carriage, the diode is mounted on the radiator and securely fastened. If it is not calculated to use another radiator, then the existing one is quite suitable. Therefore, you need to remove them together. Otherwise, carefully cut off the legs at the entrance to the radiator.

Since diodes are extremely sensitive to static, it is useful to protect them.. To do this, you need to wind the legs of the laser diode together with a thin wire.

It remains only to collect all the details together, and the ROM itself is no longer needed.

Assembling the laser device

It is necessary to connect the diode extracted from the sidirom to the converter, observing the polarity, otherwise the laser diode will immediately fail and become unsuitable for further use.

A collimator is installed on the reverse side of the diode so that the light can be concentrated into one beam. Although, instead of it, you can use the lens included in the rum, or the lens that the laser pointer already contains. But in this case, you will have to carry out the adjustment in order to get the necessary focus.

On the other side of the converter, wires are soldered that connect to the contacts of the case, where the batteries will be installed.

The scheme will help to complete the laser from the DVD drive with your own hands:

When the connection of all components is completed, you can check the performance of the resulting device. If everything works, then it remains to place the entire structure in the case and securely fix it there.

Homemade housing

You can approach the manufacture of the case in different ways. Perfect for these purposes, for example, a case from a Chinese lantern is suitable. You can also use a ready-made laser pointer body. But the best solution may be homemade, made of aluminum profiles.

By itself, aluminum is light in weight and, at the same time, it lends itself well to processing. The whole structure is conveniently located in it. It will also be convenient to fix it. If necessary, you can always easily cut out the required piece or bend it in accordance with the required parameters.

Safety and Testing

When all the work is completed, it's time to test the resulting powerful laser. It is not recommended to do this indoors. Therefore, it is better to go outside to a deserted place. At the same time, it should be remembered that the device made is several hundred times more powerful than a conventional laser pointer, and this obliges to use it with extreme caution. Do not direct the beam at people or animals, make sure that the beam is not reflected and does not get into the eyes. When using a red laser beam, it is recommended to wear green glasses, this will significantly reduce the risk of damage to vision in unforeseen cases. After all, even from the outside looking at laser beams is not recommended.

Do not aim the laser beam at flammable or explosive objects and substances.

The created device, with a properly adjusted lens, may well cut plastic bags, burn on a tree, burst balloons and even burn - a kind of combat laser. It's incredible what can be done from a DVD drive. Therefore, when testing a manufactured device, it is always worth remembering safety precautions.

A laser pointer is a useful item, the purpose of which depends on the power. If it is not very large, then the beam can be aimed at distant objects. In this case, the pointer can play the role of a toy and be used for entertainment. It can also be of practical use, helping a person to point to the object he is talking about. Using improvised items, you can make a laser with your own hands.

Briefly about the device

The laser was invented as a result of testing the theoretical assumptions of scientists involved in quantum physics, which had just begun to emerge. The principle underlying the laser pointer was predicted by Einstein at the beginning of the 20th century. No wonder this device is so called - "pointer".

More powerful lasers are used for burning. The pointer provides an opportunity to realize creative potential, for example, they can be used to engrave a beautiful high-quality pattern on wood or plexiglass. The most powerful lasers can cut metal, which is why they are used in construction and repair work.

The principle of operation of a laser pointer

According to the principle of operation, the laser is a photon generator. The essence of the phenomenon that underlies it is that an atom is affected by energy in the form of a photon. As a result, this atom emits the next photon, which moves in the same direction as the previous one. These photons have the same phase and polarization. Of course, the emitted light is amplified in this case. Such a phenomenon can only occur in the absence of thermodynamic equilibrium. To create induced radiation, various methods are used: chemical, electrical, gas, and others.

The very word "laser" did not arise from scratch. It was formed as a result of the reduction of words describing the essence of the process. In English, the full name of this process is: “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”, which translates into Russian as “light amplification by stimulated emission”. Scientifically speaking, laser pointer is an optical quantum generator.

Preparing for production

As mentioned above, you can make a laser with your own hands at home. To do this, prepare the following tools, as well as simple items, which are almost always available at home:

These materials are enough to do all the work on the manufacture of both a simple and a powerful laser with your own hands.

Self-assembly of the laser

You will need to find a drive. The main thing is that its laser diode is in good working order. Of course, there may not be such an object at home. In this case, it can be purchased from those who have it. Often people throw away optical drives even if their laser diode is still working or selling them.

Choosing a drive for the manufacture of a laser device, you need to pay attention to the company in which it was issued. The main thing is that Samsung should not be this company: drives from this manufacturer are equipped with diodes that are not protected from external influences. Consequently, such diodes are quickly contaminated and subjected to thermal stress. They can be damaged even by a light touch.

The drives from LG are best suited for making a laser: each of their models is equipped with a powerful crystal.

It is important that the drive, when used for its intended purpose, can not only read, but also write information to the disk. Recording printers have an infrared emitter needed to assemble the laser device.

The work is in the following steps:

A ready-made DIY laser pointer can easily cut through plastic bags and instantly explode balloons. If you point this home-made device at a wooden surface, then the beam will immediately burn through it. When using, care must be taken.

Handmade, useful in every home.

Of course, a home-made device will not be able to gain the great power that production devices have, but still it will be possible to get some benefit from it in everyday life.

The most interesting thing is that you can make a laser cutter using old unnecessary items.

For example, using an old laser pointer will allow you to make a laser device with your own hands.

In order for the process of creating the cutter to progress as quickly as possible, it is necessary to prepare the following items and tools:

laser type pointer;
rechargeable flashlight;
an old CD / DVD-RW writer, possibly out of order - you will need a drive with a laser from it;
soldering iron and a set of screwdrivers.

The process of making a cutter with your own hands begins with disassembling the drive, from where you need to get the device.

Extraction must be done as carefully as possible, while you will have to be patient and be careful. The device has many different wires with almost the same structure.

When choosing a DVD drive, you need to consider that it is a writer, since it is this option that allows you to make recordings using a laser.

Recording is done by evaporating a thin metal layer from the disc.

In the process of reading, the laser functions at half its technical capacity, lightly illuminating the disc.

In the process of dismantling the upper fastener, the eye will fall on the carriage with the laser, which can move in several directions.

The carriage must be carefully removed, carefully remove the connectors and screws.

Then you can move on to removing the red diode, due to which the disk is burned - this can be easily done with your own hands using an electric soldering iron. The extracted element should not be shaken, let alone dropped.

After the main part of the future cutter is on the surface, you need to make a carefully thought-out plan for assembling a laser cutter.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the following points: how best to place the diode, how to connect it to a power source, because the writing device diode requires more electricity than the main element of the pointer.

This issue can be resolved in several ways.

To make a manual cutter with more or less high power, you need to get the diode in the pointer, and then change it to the element removed from the DVD drive.

Therefore, the laser pointer is disassembled as carefully as the DVD burner drive.

The object is untwisted, then its body is divided into two halves. Immediately on the surface you can see the part that needs to be replaced with your own hands.

To do this, the native diode from the pointer is removed and carefully replaced with a more powerful one; its secure fastening can be done using glue.

It may not be possible to immediately remove the old diode element, so you can carefully pick it up with the tip of a knife, then shake the body of the pointer slightly.

At the next stage of manufacturing a laser cutter, you need to make a case for it.

For this purpose, a flashlight with rechargeable batteries is useful, which will allow the laser cutter to receive electrical power, acquire an aesthetic appearance, and ease of use.

To do this, it is necessary to introduce a modified upper part of the former pointer into the body of the flashlight with your own hands.

Then you need to connect charging to the diode, using the battery in the flashlight. It is very important to accurately establish the polarity during the connection process.

Before the flashlight is assembled, it is necessary to remove the glass and other unnecessary elements of the pointer, which can interfere with the laser beam.

At the final stage, the laser cutter is prepared for use.

For comfortable manual work, all stages of work on the device must be strictly observed.

To this end, it is necessary to check the reliability of fixation of all embedded elements, the correct polarity and evenness of the laser installation.

So, if all the assembly conditions outlined above in the article have been exactly observed, the cutter is ready for use.

But since a home-made hand-held device is endowed with low power, it is unlikely that a full-fledged laser cutter for metal will turn out of it.

What a cutter will ideally be able to do is make holes in paper or plastic wrap.

But it’s impossible to point a laser device made by one’s own hands at a person, here its power will be enough to harm the health of the body.

How can I amplify a homemade laser?

To make a more powerful laser cutter for metal work with your own hands, you need to use devices from the following list:

DVD-RW drive, it doesn't matter if it's working or not;
100 pF and mF - capacitors;
2-5 ohm resistor;
3 pcs. rechargeable batteries;
soldering iron, wires;
steel lantern on LED elements.

The assembly of a laser cutter for manual work occurs according to the following scheme.

With the use of these devices, the driver is assembled, and subsequently, through the board, it will be able to provide a certain power to the laser cutter.

In this case, in no case should the power supply be connected directly to the diode, as the diode will burn out. You also need to take into account that the diode should not be powered by voltage, but by current.

A body equipped with an optical lens is used as a collimator, due to which rays will accumulate.

This part is easy to find in a special store, the main thing is that it has a groove for installing a laser diode. The price of this device is small, approximately $ 3-7.

By the way, the laser is assembled in the same way as the cutter model discussed above.

A wire can also be used as an antistatic product; a diode is wrapped around it. After that, you can proceed to the layout of the driver device.

Before proceeding to the full manual assembly of the laser cutter, you need to check the driver is working.

The current strength is measured using a multimeter, for this they take the remaining diode and take measurements with their own hands.

Taking into account the speed of the current, select its power for the laser cutter. For example, in some versions of laser devices, the current strength can be 300-350 mA.

For other, more intensive models, it is 500 mA, provided that another driver device is used.

To make a home-made laser look more aesthetically pleasing and convenient to use, it needs a case, which can be used as a steel flashlight that operates on LEDs.

As a rule, the mentioned device is endowed with compact dimensions that allow it to fit in a pocket. But in order to avoid contamination of the lens, you need to purchase or sew a case with your own hands in advance.

Features of production laser cutters

Not everyone can afford the price of a production-type laser cutter for metal.

Such equipment is used for processing and cutting metal materials.

The principle of operation of a laser cutter is based on the generation of powerful radiation by a tool, endowed with the property of vaporizing or blowing out a metal molten layer.

This production technology, when working with different types of metal, is able to provide a high quality cut.

The depth of material processing depends on the type of laser machine and the characteristics of the processed materials.

Today, three types of lasers are used: solid-state, fiber and gas.

The device of solid-state emitters is based on the use of specific types of glass or crystals as a working medium.

Here, as an example, low-cost installations operated on semiconductor lasers can be cited.

Fiber - their active medium functions through the use of optical fibers.

This type of device is a modification of solid-state emitters, but according to experts, the fiber laser is successfully replacing its counterparts in the field of metalworking.

At the same time, optical fibers are the basis of not only the cutter, but also the engraving machine.

Gas - the working environment of the laser device combines carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium gases.

Since the efficiency of the emitters under consideration is not higher than 20%, they are used for cutting and welding polymer, rubber and glass materials, as well as metal with a high degree of thermal conductivity.

Here, as an example, you can take a metal cutter manufactured by Hans, the use of a laser device allows you to cut copper, brass and aluminum, in this case, the minimum power of the machines only outperforms its counterparts.

Drive operation scheme

Only a desktop laser can be operated from a drive; this type of device is a portal-console machine.

The laser unit can move along the guide rails of the device both vertically and horizontally.

As an alternative to the portal device, a flatbed model of the mechanism was made, its cutter moves only horizontally.

Other existing versions of laser machines have a desktop equipped with a drive mechanism and endowed with the ability to move in different planes.

At the moment, there are two options for controlling the drive mechanism.

The first provides movement of the workpiece due to the operation of the table drive, or the movement of the cutter is performed due to the operation of the laser.

The second option involves the simultaneous movement of the table and cutter.

At the same time, the first management model is considered to be much simpler in comparison with the second option. But the second model is still distinguished by high performance.

A common technical characteristic of the considered cases is the need to introduce a CNC unit into the device, but then the price for assembling a device for manual work will become higher.

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