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

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
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    45

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

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    1,622

    Default

    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.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    Sacramento, CA
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    Default

    Thanks ElektroFreak, for clarifying!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Connecticut, USA
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    2,478

    Default

    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
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Perth Western Australia
    Posts
    844

    Default

    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

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