Split beam

[LEDpaint]

Hi everyone, been quite a while!

Anyway, my problem is a Laserwave 532nm I have has a split beam. I researched this, and it appears the KTP is likely cracked. I haven't opened the module to confirm this, but if that's the case, how hard is this thing to fix? I have a very steady hand and am great with a screwdriver, but that's about as technical as I can get. What do I need to watch for and what's the consquences of opening this thing besides the obvious of static? Who supplies this part? I also have a 473 that may be starting to exhibit the same problem are the internals relatively the same? My understanding is that 473 is a vastly different process.

Thanks!!

[badger1666]

nah its called tem01 lots of cheap chinese lasers do it , in fact just about every laser i have owned done it at some point..
look at this chart http://support.wickedlasers.com/entr...-and-tem01-etc
sorry its wicked lasers, its he first site i came across that had the tem chart
473nm is no different just different xtals

[LEDpaint]

Odd, neither did that when I bought them and the blue has only just started to split recently. If I was to open the green up and inspect the crystal, what possible damage am I doing as long as I do it in a very low humidity environment?

[badger1666]

first you open it up with no safety glasses on then expect eye damage from stray ir beams you cant see.
second the xtal is very small , too small to see any damage with out taking it out and inspecting it under a microscope.
just except that these things happen with lasers, as long as the power has not dropped to much leave it alone
it very easy to upset a dpss and and up with a usless paper weight
if its that bad get an dpss guru to take a look and give the xtal a tweek, that may well sort it out

[LEDpaint]

I'm aware that eye protection is needed. I respect the eye-melting capability of high-powered lasers and am well aware of the IR in DPSS lasers. I'm just not particularly adept with the electronics inside. Sounds like I need some expert help with this or to simply replace it.

[taggalucci]

Careful with the 473nm DPSS - if I remember correctly, the crystal which is responsible for the blue wavelength is sensitive to water and so the module should be hermetically sealed to protect it. Only open this in an appropriate environment where you can prevent air getting in.