Hypothetical white light diode

[TheHermit]

While I love the idea of adding a spatial filter and corrective optics, adding more elements to the optical train would add complexity to alignment for sure. But, to homogenize the beams, this would be a great way to do. I was just hoping for something better to exist.

Don't get me wrong, guys, my first "serious" laser was an ALC60x argon but for the space and power requirements, you can't beat diodes but damn, those beam profiles...

I agree on all points, without disputing Brian's suggestions for creating an optimal beam profile, if starting a projector build from scratch. But, all of those components probably won't fit inside most production projectors.
Yeah, who doesn't love TEM00 beams from ion lasers? I love just watching the tube glow. But, my home doesn't have 3 phase and my well can't sustain 30 GPM. TBH, I still remember the wonderful relief of subconscious tension when that damn pump noise ceased after a long session.
I wouldn't be back into this game, if not for modern inexpensive, aircooled, 110V, RGB diode lasers. But, I digress.

I had a dichroic drift problem with my initial el cheapo projectors. If you have been making lots of dichroic mount adjustments, perhaps the mounts have developed material fatigue, w/o maintaining sufficient pressure against the alignment screws and could be replaced with newer/better ones. Worked for me.
While searching for single mode RGB diodes, I discovered these Sparrow enclosed RGB diode/TEC modules with low divergence collimating optics by Live LaserSystems, Austria. Best gear I've seen so far. (But, I haven't seen Kvant's, TBH.)
Also checkout the doc on their Colordrive One, w/TEC drivers. Phillip, their CEO, online customer service rep, and product technical guru is very helpful and personally tunes everything himself. For example, I mentioned that the far field within my living room is only 25', so he set up the collimating lenses to produce an optimal RGB spot at that range. He fine tuned the TEC drivers too be optimal to the specific diodes ideal temperature ranges.
Like a rich kid in a toy store, couldn't resist scooping up this set of projector bits (6 months, 0% Paypal credit 🙄 ). Haven't built the projector yet to testify on beam quality. But, my expectations are pretty high.

Really like that the Sparrows' optics are well covered from contamination. Also, there's only one ribbon bus cable that connects all of the drivers together, reducing air blocking cable clutter.
Their dichroic mounts look pretty solid, as well.
Hope this helps to solve your beam drift and profile woes.

[absolom7691]

I agree on all points, without disputing Brian's suggestions for creating an optimal beam profile, if starting a projector build from scratch. But, all of those components probably won't fit inside most production projectors.
Yeah, who doesn't love TEM00 beams from ion lasers? I love just watching the tube glow. But, my home doesn't have 3 phase and my well can't sustain 30 GPM. TBH, I still remember the wonderful relief of subconscious tension when that damn pump noise ceased after a long session.
I wouldn't be back into this game, if not for modern inexpensive, aircooled, 110V, RGB diode lasers. But, I digress.

I had a dichroic drift problem with my initial el cheapo projectors. If you have been making lots of dichroic mount adjustments, perhaps the mounts have developed material fatigue, w/o maintaining sufficient pressure against the alignment screws and could be replaced with newer/better ones. Worked for me.
While searching for single mode RGB diodes, I discovered these Sparrow enclosed RGB diode/TEC modules with low divergence collimating optics by Live LaserSystems, Austria. Best gear I've seen so far. (But, I haven't seen Kvant's, TBH.)
Also checkout the doc on their Colordrive One, w/TEC drivers. Phillip, their CEO, online customer service rep, and product technical guru is very helpful and personally tunes everything himself. For example, I mentioned that the far field within my living room is only 25', so he set up the collimating lenses to produce an optimal RGB spot at that range. He fine tuned the TEC drivers too be optimal to the specific diodes ideal temperature ranges.
Like a rich kid in a toy store, couldn't resist scooping up this set of projector bits (6 months, 0% Paypal credit 🙄 ). Haven't built the projector yet to testify on beam quality. But, my expectations are pretty high.

Really like that the Sparrows' optics are well covered from contamination. Also, there's only one ribbon bus cable that connects all of the drivers together, reducing air blocking cable clutter.
Their dichroic mounts look pretty solid, as well.
Hope this helps to solve your beam drift and profile woes.

Ever since you posted that Sparrow URL, I have been looking at their stuff. I have been considering buying modules from them. I'm sure my alignment drift is not just the kinematics. The diode mounts are probably not great and I have no idea what alloy the aluminum base plate is. I'm sure there are a lot of areas for drift. The compact size of the sparrow modules, not to mention how affordable they are, is a very compelling argument for me. I just might break down and redo my projectors. These modules would allow for a smaller baseplate which would probably help with alignment drift as the temperature fluctuates.

I could be mistaken but it looks like Kvant may actually be using single-mode fiber to shape the beams on their newest offerings, getting near TEM00 beam profiles. The problem is, Kvant is very pricey, even though their products are great quality.

[TheHermit]

I have been looking at their stuff. I have been considering buying modules from them.

Cool. In case you haven't noticed, bottom center of all their product pictures that are inside a box, is a hidden mouseover link to more details. You're probably getting a chat panel popping out for assistance. That's probably Phillip, CEO & very approachable tech support. Don't avoid asking him for more info.
One word of caution, an idiot agent of Fedex Customs asked, "Does it emit radiation?" <rut-roh!>, then impounded my parts.
Then she would ignore our explanations, until I complained and went over her head. She would reply that some generically described form (instead of FDA-2877) needed to be completed, without providing a link to the required doc. Eventually, we were able to convince her that the lasers are OEM components, that live inside an enclosed projector case, and are not not for retail resale.
This nonsense went on for a month, until the 2nd Customs agent released my parcel.
A month later, I received a bill in the mail for $200 in additional new Customs service fees (not tariffs).

I'm sure my alignment drift is not just the kinematics. The diode mounts are probably not great and I have no idea what alloy the aluminum base plate is. I'm sure there are a lot of areas for drift.

I ordered better dichroic mounts to replace my el cheapo drifty ones. But they're still sitting on the shelf, until I repurpose those projectors' components into a lumia projector.
IMHO, it would be very unlikely that the solid block diode mounts are drifting, but more likely that the dichroic mounts are drifting. Most of the inexpensive ones have an alignment set screw pushing against the tensile resistance of the same piece of metal. If pushed too far, the metal is permanently bent beyond of being able to push back against the set screw firmly. Proper design is key. That's why I also ordered Live LaserSystems' dichroic mounts, mostly out of blind faith, after seeing the quality of their other products.

The compact size of the sparrow modules, not to mention how affordable they are, is a very compelling argument for me. I just might break down and redo my projectors. These modules would allow for a smaller baseplate which would probably help with alignment drift as the temperature fluctuates.

I love everything about the Sparrows' well thought out design, the collimator lens mounts, the TECs, their easy access should maintenance be required, ...
Their site also provides a long list of assorted mfr's diodes throughout the spectrum. I special ordered the deeper red 642nm diodes and Phillip optimized their ColorDrives for those specific diodes and set up Sparrows' collimation lens to balance NF to fit onto the galvos' mirrors vs my FF projection range of 25 ft. No muss, no fuss attempting to improve beam quality, out of the box.
But, the diodes are only 1/2 of the picture. The ColorDrive One w/TEC is at a different level than other common drivers. For example, the efficiency of the diodes is actively maintained via the TEC, which is controlled based upon current flow. Higher currents (photon power) can be applied, as long as the temperature is well controlled via ColorDrive One + TEC. This also protects the diodes from thermal damage and extends their life.

I could be mistaken but it looks like Kvant may actually be using single-mode fiber to shape the beams on their newest offerings, getting near TEM00 beam profiles. The problem is, Kvant is very pricey, even though their products are great quality.

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
Yes Kvant projectors are very tempting. Just difficult to justify 3* the price of DIY on a restrictive, non profit, enthusiastic artist's budget, if avoidable. I think I'll soon learn whether it is or not.
Different story for working professionals, where return on investment is dependant upon corporate reputations, safe audience scanning, and dependability are legit priorities. Personally, I only need a kill button (remote controlled AC sockets) for protection against static beams burning through the flame resistant screen into my 4k TV. 🙄
I still need to RTFM modern single-mode fiber collimation. Back in the day, I worked with doped quartz fiber that had a cross section parabolic refractive index to keep light focused towards the center, instead of reflecting off the inner surface... an actual 'light guide'.
Also tried miniature lenses ~2-3 mm diameter, with focal lengths dependent upon distance of internal reflections. Sounds similar.
Happy shopping.
Roj