The NT-LS-DG35-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 a Sharp GH05130C2GL operating at a wavelength of 515nm and up to around ~35mW 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 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 90mA and a maximum rated current of 135mA. The laser driver is set to output around 70mA 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 20mW but has not been measured using a precise instrument. 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 green in color when viewed on camera, but resembles a wintergreen color when viewed in person. Notably there is a significant amount of scattered light around the beam. This could be due to a dirty lens or possibly an issue with the diode. We are still working on this unit and hope to get this corrected.
