How to Make a Weapons Grade Laser ( Class IV 2000mW Laser Tutorial - PLTB450B )

I built a powerful, burning laser!
In this video I show how to make a laser driver PCB to power a laser diode.

I've been working on this laser for weeks, but couldn't find the time to complete it.

This is an approximately 2000mW 450nm laser that I built from scratch into my own aluminium housing. Wavelength: 445 - 450 nm ( Blue )

Laser Diode: Osram PLTB450B
Voltage & Current Regulator Chip: LM317
For higher power use LM338

Parts can be bought online, some parts at jaycar and radioshack etc.

To build your own laser driver, use:

PLEASE USE SAFETY GOGGLES WITH HIGH-POWERED LASERS!
Do not shine lasers at planes, cars or people!

[SolarFreeze]

Just finished building can’t wait to play with my cat thanks for the tutorial my cat is gonna love it

[litman]

i basically made the same thing but attached it to a capacitor box and it blew the fck up

[stmounts]

Your LM317 circuit is designed to put out 1.67A, not 1.5A.
Let's take it as 1.5A and have a close look at the circuit.
The PL TB45B at 1.5A needs around 4.5V - 4.8V.
The dropout voltage of the LM317 at 1.5A is about 2.25V.
R1 would drop 1.5V at 1.5A.
So the minimum battery voltage required for the LM317 to be in regulation is the sum of 4.5+2.25+1.5 = 8.25V. Looks OK so far, but there is a problem...
The internal resistance of a 9V PP3 battery is at least 1 ohm (probably 2 or more) at 1.5A, so at best it could only supply 7.5V to the LM317. At worst (and more likely) it would only be 6V.
So the LM317 could not be supplying 1.5A at 4.5V to the laser.
Anyway, even if you used a bigger 9V battery with zero internal resistance the linear circuit design would always waste half the power in heat. 9V in for 4.5V out with the same current.
Why go to all that trouble making a PCB anyway when you can buy a cheap switching laser driver for $6 or so? The following runs well with 2x 18650 cells (at least 100 times longer than a 9V PP3 with the circuit in the video!)
Search eBay with this string:
"445nm 520nm 2W Laser Diode 6-14V Power Supply Driver Circuit PCB Board"
I posted this as advice to potential constructors who should know that the circut described is not the best way to power the laser, not as a general criticism of the video.

[NorthStandardco]

I really enjoyed your video man nice job! However, I really wanted to do this build but you were not nearly specific enough for me to even stand a chance. Would be nice if you identify which part is what and go into more detail on where and how to solder them onto the board. Really cool idea for making your own board with that copper and the chemical solution. Hope you can make a more detailed process because I would really like to try this! Thanks

[justincase]

Thankfully was able to mute the Guantanamo Bay torture music and get the gist of your video. Thanks.

[TinLethax]

You can get more power output with the G2 lens .DTR also sell that lens .just choose the lens for 445-450 nm one.

[xxGamerKidx]

I’m trying to achieve a 2 watt laser I bought a 1.8a driver & 1.6watt 445nm diode with a G2 lens will this be enough to achieve that output ?

[CLOCK-WORK]

Btw the most powerfull lase you can buy of the web is just nearly 1500mw

[rockcvn]

Unbelievable! So 😎 cool.
I wish I had learned about capacitors, correctly soldering ect.
Thanks for sharing 👍.

[armancodeq]

lm317 can give a potential difference of 1.25 V....which can only do good until 200mA.
These laser requires around 3-4A (3000-4000mA), lm317 would be toast...either I'm missing out on something in my calculations..or this is way beyond what i think.
Pls Help me in this, How the hell lm317 still alive?

[tenacity]

Would you need laser protective goggles or glasses while using this? If so what ones do you recommend?

[seepel]

Its not illegal in Germany 👍 There are no limits over here 😄

[Sebastian_]

There is no Diode with the Name 1N1404. Do you mean 1N4004? Please tell me which one you used or which values it had.

[soflaavr]

That is perfect for shining at airliners!

[liberty-theonewhoalwayschanges]

were can i buy the components other than the internet? I mean like... what kind of shop?

[phillpauley]

I doubt you’ll answer back but I have a Beretta Pico with a flashlight. I want to replace the flashlight with a burning laser. It doesn’t have much room in the housing so the battery size is limited. I’m fine with a short battery life (5-10 minutes) but I’m willing to add to the housing within reason.

I’m just getting into making lasers. I’ve made a few burning lasers now. I’m just looking for some advice on how to make it compact enough to fit in my tiny pistol.

If I can burn them I won’t have to shoot them because they’ll be twitching from the tiny burns. It’s like a step between a taser and a gun.
A taser just hurts and can possibly burn, a laser burns, a gun kills.
I’d rather make them twitch and run once they’ve seen that it’s a gun behind the burning laser than shoot and possibly kill them.

I’m in delivery and I’ve been robbed. I’m looking for a “less than lethal” way to handle it.

If I can make it compact enough to fit in the pistol then I can make another one to fit on my work hat so it’s not ever a lethal threat.

[tS-ghdj]

For educational purposes only.. shows to do it. I’m making a version of this with a lot lower power laser so it’s safe

[sayan.]

How did you come up with the PCB design. Plz answer...

[dyllantrout]

Hi, the video is 4 years old now but what component did you solder after the first 2 resistors? It doesnt seem to be in the components list.

[Tarpondss]

Hey could you please reply? I don’t expect you to considering the date of the video but I’m confused by the process. I follow you up to the point where you complete 1 but how to I go from that to the powerful gun you have. Do I need 3? If so how would I go about making them work together? Thanks for anyone’s help because I really want to try this but I’m nervous of running into and getting stuck at that problem.