Need blue laser -- laser vendors CDRH legit?

[OPO226]

Hi:
I'd like to buy a blue laser diode module.

1. Can you recommend vendors that are in USA that sell quality OEM or laser show ready modules with decent quality and price?
2. Are there foreign vendors who have CDRH registered products so if I import one it doesn't have to be misstated for customs?

I bought a module from LaserGlow in the past, but it was way expensive. But at least I could import from them with confidence. Unfortunately, I had to have it fixed under warranty after it sat for 6 months. I'm hoping to get a 100-1000mW modulated 445nm module for <$1000. Then later perhaps a red module as well.

Recommendations appreciated.

Thanks.

[LEDpaint]

http://www.ctlasers.com/

Marc hooked me up with a nice KVant 1.2 watt 445 module for a great price, and he's a member of this forum (gottaluvlasers). If you're looking for a cheap projector (Chinese), you won't find one that's CDRH certified. Best bet for a whole CDRH certed box is to go with Marc or X-Laser (also a member here).

[sugeek]

http://www.ctlasers.com/

Marc hooked me up with a nice KVant 1.2 watt 445 module for a great price, and he's a member of this forum (gottaluvlasers). If you're looking for a cheap projector (Chinese), you won't find one that's CDRH certified. Best bet for a whole CDRH certed box is to go with Marc or X-Laser (also a member here).

Marc is a good guy and Kvant makes nice stuff... I have no experience with x-lasers so I can't comment.

[LEDpaint]

I have to admit, I'm biased toward Marc, myself. I've only dealt with him and the service has been awesome.

[OPO226]

Thanks for the input. So CT. Lasers is the USA Kvant distrib?
The prices are a little steep. Maybe I should contact and see if they can get the lowest power Kvant blue module.

I'm considering that I may be more interested in getting bare diodes, so I can tinker with more colors for less money, and invest in the parts for just a single mounting, optical, and driving system.

I don't have a projector yet, though I have scanners. The only thing I've done with them yet is connect them to a DSP with an abstract generator program that I quickly hacked together. I also started a Python program to draw frames for a projector that I hope someday to finish.

I'm more of a tinkerer that likes learning how to do things myself rather than buying things that do it already.

In particular I'm interested in experimenting with beam circularization, and trying to make a fairly wide bandwidth driver, like up to 1MHz.

My current day job involves pulsing LEDs at up to 120A with sub-microsecond pulses for illuminating high-speed imaging experiments.

[swamidog]

i'm sure there are plenty of folks here that would be happy to build you a module for considerably less than the kvant price.

here's a quick and easy one i put together for less than 200$.

Thanks for the input. So CT. Lasers is the USA Kvant distrib?
The prices are a little steep. Maybe I should contact and see if they can get the lowest power Kvant blue module.

I'm considering that I may be more interested in getting bare diodes, so I can tinker with more colors for less money, and invest in the parts for just a single mounting, optical, and driving system.

I don't have a projector yet, though I have scanners. The only thing I've done with them yet is connect them to a DSP with an abstract generator program that I quickly hacked together. I also started a Python program to draw frames for a projector that I hope someday to finish.

I'm more of a tinkerer that likes learning how to do things myself rather than buying things that do it already.

In particular I'm interested in experimenting with beam circularization, and trying to make a fairly wide bandwidth driver, like up to 1MHz.

My current day job involves pulsing LEDs at up to 120A with sub-microsecond pulses for illuminating high-speed imaging experiments.

[edison]

Nice!!! i like the simplicity. Perfect as a start for a laserhobby. You can build a projector for less then 500usd with a red mitsubishi and green pointer

[dsli_jon]

Hello OPO..

I'm more of a tinkerer that likes learning how to do things myself rather than buying things that do it already.

..Good to hear.. ..then I'd highly-recommend the 'Dr Lava' Blue Kits, available as single-diode / beam, or, dual, for making 2+ Watt modules..



..as-sold in this-thread: (Scroll-down about 1/2 way..) http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...087#post244087

The units are made here in the US, (..so, no 'import-worries..) and 'CDRH-compliant' as an OEM-module, in-that the driver features pin-outs for an interlock loop / keyswitch, and built-in emission-delay.. *integration* of these features, into your projector /device is up to you (ie: the interlocks / keyswitches are not included with the kits, etc..) but I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better-engineered kit, for the price.. Also, the Diodes, themselves, are *not included* - you'll need to get those from an OEM-diode seller, such as PL-Member 'DTR', or other, but most people seem to testify that he / his service is 5-Star..

..But, in the end, you'll end up with a very-nice, rugged, decent-beam 445 module, at up to 2+ Watts, and in a tiny form-factor.. Additionally, Dr Lava is the author / seller of 'LSX', which, when-combined with the 'EtherDream' DAC (search here in PL..) or other-such card, will provide a really-deep, rich software package - perfect for 'tinkerers that like learning'..

fwiw..
cheers
Jon

PS - Where us at in Cali? We be in the City of Angels, Van Nuys-segment.. Let's chat sometime...

[OPO226]

Hello OPO..
..Good to hear.. ..then I'd highly-recommend the 'Dr Lava' Blue Kits, available as single-diode / beam, or, dual, for making 2+ Watt modules..

..as-sold in this-thread: (Scroll-down about 1/2 way..) http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...087#post244087

That is really interesting. I'll have a look at it now. And I found DTR's Laser Shop. I will be ordering some single and multi-mode blues and reds.

Thanks for the tip.

P.S. I'm in SF Bay Area.