Hey there, long time no chat for me.
I'm coming up with a project that requires me to separate a green laser beam into several weaker but equal powered beams. Here's the restrictions:
1. The module must be small, and around 75-125mw 532nm. .75" body diameter or less, and if required, a powersupply of that same size. I easily find lab lasers for that power, but modules are not as easy to come by, at least for the right price. 100% duty cycle is important, which knocks out any handheld lasers of that size and power. Beam quality is not, however, since the beam will be terminated in <12 inches. Also, $400 for a 75mw module is not an option.
2. I must split the one beam into several balanced parallel beams. I've done this with regular microscope slides (figuring out angles based on an index of refraction), and I know that doing so is really poor since the the slides aren't meant for this type of work. I need to make about 6-8 beams go parallel to eachother, using various angles and/or materials to make these near-parallel beams. Think like how a laser harp looks, except without the scanning power that those normally have. I had a diffraction lens i ordered online from a DVD player that allowed me to do 3 parallel beams (which I could split up with mirrors) but I'd have to get another one since I need at least 6 beams, and I don't even know where to start anymore.
I know, strange requirements, but I have a neat little project in the works, and would just like a second opinion on things before I put it together. Sorry I'm being a bit vague, but I don't want to give up the secret before I start developing. Any help would be appreciated!
-Colin