The NT-LS-DB80-C is a custom direct-diode laser system constructed using the casing and diode host of a Coherent CUBE laser head. The control electronics from Coherent have been removed. The laser diode is driven by an ACS1500SE mounted in place of the Coherent control electronics. The diode used is an Osram PLT5 450B operating at a wavelength of 450nm and up to around ~100mW of output power. The driver board input connections and the thermal management system connections of the Coherent CUBE casing have all been connected to a DB-9 connector installed on the back of the unit in place of the original DE-15 connector. The temperature of the laser diode can be monitored and controlled with the TEC and temperature sensor built into the host in which the laser diode is mounted.
The original laser diode for this device was sourced directly from a Blu-Ray DVD drive. There were some issues with the diode from the Blu-Ray drive and it eventually stopped working. A replacement diode was purchased and installed into the host within the CUBE case. The ACS1500SE laser driver is capable of both boosting and bucking the power to deliver what is needed to the laser diode. It accepts an input range of 2.9-12VDC and can output up to 1500mA to the laser diode. This diode in particular has a nominal current of around 165mA and a maximum rated current of 275mA. The laser driver is set to output around 150mA to the diode, well under the rated current. This is done to preserve the life of the diode and keep the output power manageable. As currently configured, this laser outputs about 40mW but has not been measured using a precise instrument. During testing, the laser diode was ran much closer to it's rated maximum output power of ~100mW. Running at this power level, with a properly focused lens, made the laser powerful enough to burn a technician's hand slightly when it was held directly in front of the beam.
The laser diode is mounted behind an adjustable lens. The front of the device has a manually operated shutter that can be closed to protect the glass lens when not in use or block laser output.
The beam is very bright and a nice deep blue color. For a custom laser, it's performance is exceptional. There is a noticeable difference from the purple/violet beam of the Blu-Ray diode. To get a good idea of what that looks like, check out the Coherent CUBE 407nm laser head.
