8X DVD writer laser diode uses

This floppy disk burn through is another example of what a 140mW red (8X DVD burner) laser diode can do focused to a few mils at a close range. Measured for this test at 84mW @ 650nm. WEAR YOUR EYE PROTECTION!!! These things can blind you "BEFORE" you can blink at this power! or at least make you sorry you saw it.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Laser
• burn
• floppy
• 650nm
• red
• high
• power
• laser

[BadSmaxx]

Alright, this was very cool. That said I have an off-topic kinda question... So let's say I want to go out and buy a 100mW-red laser "pointer" like the Warn Laser or the Viper series. WHY do they cost $199 and up ?? And the last 8X DVD burner I bought was around $26.00 I hope you understand my point, I realize the demo you did is not an identical laser to what I'm asking about, but we're still talking the same power (I think??)

[pcbman1st]

I'd say its probably as much a issue of professional vs amateur? Companies that make "quality" pointers can demand high prices and give warranties. Mine on the other hand was made from parts I found on ebay or in a junk box and some technical knowledge (engineering technician by trade). You can make one for around $30 probably with parts available on e b a y and some soldering in a flashlight case if your willing to do the work yourself. And it might be as powerful or better than store bought?

[pcbman1st]

Oh.. and they probably have an IC driving the laser diode to monitor power output so it won't burn up, another "professional feature". Mine is just driven off a couple of AAA cells in the penlight versions I've made. The one in the video was powered with my test bench variable power supply for control purposes.

That was my first one so I was learning what to do an what not to do. An IC controlled power output will prevent the laser diode from "eating itself" usually if it has a power spike.

[jmpanes69]

how about watching this video, could it damage my eyes?

[dragolix]

hi, can you say how to build a dvd-burning-laser? Or do you know a good website?

[MegaElephantears]

it´s very nice

[expressman100]

cool 

[renekenshin6573]

Ordinary laser pointers about 5mw can be modified to a higher output by adding a driver circuit

[stickman2012]

invisible lasers are dangerous good buddy.

[catmaster141]

EYE RAPE!

[psphelper01]

im not.

[kwantumspin]

dont lie

[BadSmaxx]

Makes sense, I'm a build-it-yourself kind of guy, as much for the learning experience as the end result. Your video has inspired me. By IC you are referring to integrated circiut I am asuming? Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it!