RGB Laser

This is a project to create an RGB laser capable of mixing colors at 24-bit resolution (8 bits per color), at as high of a rate as possible such that it can be scanned via galvos. This project involves the selection of appropriate single-mode diode lasers to attain good beam characteristics (in order to have the 3 colors well mixed) at the right power ratio to produce a good white point. It also involves the creation of a custom high power and high speed PWM driver for the 3 laser diodes.

Laser Diode Selection

The power ratios for the 3 lasers are as follows (taken from Chroma): 7.3 R:2.1 G:1.0 B for the wavelengths of 660, 510, and 450nm, respectively. The limiting power is the green diode at only 40mW. Unfortunately other options for green diodes are multimode or very expensive.

Red

The red diode selected is an SF-AW210 "SOC" (Short open can), which will be driven at 140mW.

Green

The green diode selected is an Osram PLT5-510, which will be driven at its maximum of 40mW.

Blue

The blue diode selected is an Osram PL-450B, which will be driven at 20mW.