This may be a dumb question, but...Why Don't We Use Collimators More?

[superj7777]

Sorry to ask such a basic question, but after spending days reading, I'm a little confused as to the effectiveness of a collimator on a large beam?

I understand how a collimator can reduce the size of a beam, but also increase divergence. But, don't most/all diodes use some type of collimator? And, if they do, can't we just replace/upgrade the optics to get a tighter beam out of cheap diodes?

Again, sorry to ask this elementry questions, I just keep reading confilcting information

Thanks,
Jason

[ElektroFreak]

You're correct on both counts. We do use collimators on diodes, the lenses you see in front of the diodes in any build around here are collimtors. And yes, you can alter the beam diameter and divergence by using a different lens or combination of lenses. There are limits and tradeoffs throughout the process of selecting lenses for any given diode, though, so you can't always get a "miracle combo" that will make a diode with bad beam specs before collimation be perfect after.

[superj7777]

Thanks ElektroFreak, for clarifying!

[gottaluvlasers]

Yes Jay-

unfortunately its the laws of physics. If you make the beam good on the "close" end, meaning aperture area and near the scanners, than the divergence goes up quite quickly and exponentially. (i think its 4X the amount. although i may be wrong on that). If you use a beam expanderand make the beam larger (which most of us dont want in most cases) than the divergence can be made better. You cant have both though. (small beam *and* better divergence).

And it wasnt an elementary question. its a great question. I bet a lot of people were wondering thew same thing.

thats the simple answer. im sure more people will reply with more sophisticated answers.

-Marc

[kitatit]

Hi guys,

Indeed it's not a dumb question Jason.
My understaing of the finer points of how to choose a lens
is pretty week still to.

Check this thread out, the guys are having a great conversation about this topic and
the explanations and details are really helping me understand.
http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...ion-correction

Kit