How to Build a Simple Laser Pointer

You can use a simple laser pointer with inexpensive parts and save lots of money compared to the cost of buying a new one. Remember that building a laser pointer can have drawbacks, however, and make sure to keep the law in mind.

Let us consider the legal limits.
Legally, laser pointers have a 5 MW limit. Each laser pointer you have more than 5 mW is in violation of the legal limit, and you can be prosecuted for using a more powerful laser pointer. Home Laser Pointer almost always above the legal limit, based on the materials used and power supply, so be sure to tone down your laser pointer. Powerful laser pointers can also lead to injuries, so be extremely careful if you use it. Point the cursor to another person, not in the hands, and let the children do not handle pointer.

Start with a case.
You need a case for the laser pointer. Even an Altoids box works, and keep in mind that a metal housing is safest. Simply drill a hole in the top of the housing for your switch and a hole in the side of the housing for your laser, and you are ready to continue with the inner life. You can also use a Mini Maglite flashlight for your laser pointer housing.

You need a laser diode.
The diode is the part of the laser pointer that emits light. Infrared laser pointers and blue laser pointers are all using a single diode. Green laser pointer, on the other hand, requires a different construction, which is difficult to achieve at home, so you better off buying one instead of yourself.

A laser diode, you can choose from a DVD burner or CD-ROM drive or order online. If you want to extract a laser diode from a DVD burner, you need to disassemble the entire drive. Remember that removing the diode, the DVD burner making it unusable. Loosen the DVD burner housing to expose the inner workings of the DVD player. The diode laser assembly moves back and forth on two metal rails. Remove it from the rails, and screw it together all the little screws in the Assembly. Then you can unzip your laser diode.

Insert the diode into the laser housing.
You can get the casing for your laser diode from Aixiz. The case keeps your laser diode, and here you can use it in the laser-pointer to build. Laser diodes built with Aixiz intestines, but they are small diodes and can not be strong enough for your needs. Carefully remove the diode from the Aixiz existing housing, and put your new diode. You can solder more pins on your laser diode has to make a connection to your power source.

Add your power source.
Finally, you need a power source to power your laser pointer. You can use a simple battery, you can always pick up the consumer electronics, such as Radio Shack. If you have a custom power supply, make sure you wire the diode correctly; reversal can damage your diode. Connect the diode to the power source, insert it in your body and enjoy your laser pointer.