Laser Fiber + PCAOM

[premierlaser]

Hey Guys,
So my projector is well on its way and is nearing completion. However im at a point where i need a little advice. Im running 2 spectra physics 164's, and a full 10 position beam table. However this unit is not for install so it has to be somewhat portable. So what i decided to have to heads sit in a case on the floor and fiber my beam up to my projection table which would be up on a truss or a scaffhold. So my question is should i place my PCAOM before the fiber input coupler with my laser heads or should i put my PCAOM on my beamtable after the fiber output coupler?

Thanks

-Adam

[dsli_jon]

Hey Adam -

Hey Guys,
So my projector is well on its way and is nearing completion. However im at a point where i need a little advice. ...So my question is should i place my PCAOM before the fiber input coupler with my laser heads or should i put my PCAOM on my beamtable after the fiber output coupler?

IMO, absolutely-BEFORE the fiber-launcher.. Reason-being, is that post-fiber (output coupler) your beam will be ~3mm+ - IF you have one of the 'magic' ones from HB, in Germany, among-the best-available, (or PPS, not-bad, as-well..), but your 'clear aperture' in a typical PCAOM will-be like, 2mm - SO, you will have quite the 'bloomin'-output...

Now, for beams / aerials, that might end-up being a 'desirable'-effect, depending on your 'goals' / subjectivity - BUT if you plan-on graphics, at-all - 100%, gotta-go with PCAOM, first; fiber, last... and even then, put your table's galvo-position closest to the output-coupler, so you don't have to use 5-6mm aperture galvo-mirs (slower ) down at the other-end of your table...

Here's a pic of one of a 'twinsie' I did a few years back - remember I sent you this to show you the 'combining' layout-design? Well, look at where the PCAOM is in this layout - as-close as-possible, post-combination... in your case, in-place of the 45˚ that shoots the beam up to the beam-positions, you will-put your fiber-launcher - though, still-best to put anMM-1, first, (and perhaps even an 'aperture' to block the waste-beam / cut-down on 'spill', etc) so you can 'more-easily 'dial-in' the input / sweet-spot on your fiber...

I'll see if I can dig-up some more pix, but it will have-to be in a week, or so - am getting ready to be on the road for a gig...

And hey - where are your PIX, brother??!!
ciao
j