DIY Blue Laser

Blu-ray laser diodes provide powerful beams of laser light.

A laser (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a beam of coherent light that is not found in nature. A Do-It-Yourself (DIY) blue light Blu-ray laser pointer can be made using a few household supplies combined with a Blu-ray laser diode purchased from a laser supply or hobby store. No special electronic skills are needed, although adult supervision is required if you are underage because of the use of a soldering iron, which gets red-hot and is potentially dangerous to the unskilled or uncoordinated.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Electric wire
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Blu-ray laser diode
• "D" cell battery pack
• Two "D" cells
• Microswitch

Instructions

1. Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Cut the wires that will be attached to the bottom of the laser module with wire cutters. Cut three 10-inch lengths of electric wire with the wire cutters. Strip a half- inch of insulation off the ends of the electric wire with the wire strippers.

2. Heat up the soldering iron. Solder the end of one of the electric wires to one of the two pins on the bottom of the Blu-ray laser diode. Let the solder cool for a minute. Solder the end of another wire to the other pin on the bottom of Blu-ray laser diode. Let the solder cool for a minute.

3. Solder the free end of one of the two wires connected to the Blu-ray laser to the Plus (+) contact on the battery pack. Let the solder cool for a minute.

4. Solder the free end of the other electric wire connected to the pin at the bottom of the Blu-ray laser diode to one of the two contacts on the micro-switch. Let the solder cool for a minute.

5. Solder one end of the third electric wire to the other contact on the micro-switch. Let the solder cool for a minute. Solder the other end of the third electric wire to the Negative (-) contact on the battery pack. Unplug the soldering iron.

6. Insert the batteries into the battery pack. Press the micro-switch to power the Blu-ray laser diode. Watch the beam of laser light being emitted.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not aim the beam of your Blue laser light at a person or pet

References

• YouTube: Easy and cheap way to make a homemade laser

Resources

• RepairFAQ: Sam's Laser Supplies http://www.repa