What is a Laser Diode and its History with Laser Tools Co?
Laser Tools Co. uses small laser diodes produces a coherent laser beam that can be focused into a pinpoint or a straight (collimated) laser beam. This means that the laser beam can be used to project a measuring dot or may be converted to a line to project across the floor of a warehouse or a wall in a kitchen or to level the ledger boards for a new deck. But while the original Solid State Laser Diodes were amazing, special procedures were necessary in order to produce a workable tool for a professional. The original laser diodes were extremely static sensitive! Too much hand movement during the handling of the laser diode itself could damage the device. Each laser diode cost $72.00 so a failure was not acceptable!
A proper heat sink design that would keep the laser diode cool during operation was critical to an extended life time of use in varying climates and temperatures. Many hurtles were overcome to adapt this new laser device to make a professional tool that would stand the test of time.
The Laser Diode itself does not project a straight line. Optical elements must be used to produce a laser dot or laser line in order to do some kind of work. A glass collimating lens focuses the laser light emitted from the laser diode but the laser beam itself has to reference the case of the tool so that the tool can be called a laser level. Some method of steering the laser beam and calibrating the laser to the case has to be incorporated in the design. This means that the method has to be accuracy, practical and secure over time.
Most laser beams can be steered by moving the laser diode or the laser diode module with set screws that push the laser module up and down or back and forth. But set screws by their nature can vibrate loose and move over time. A simple drop of a laser can render a laser tool inaccurate and useless.
Laser Tools decided to use an optical solution for a life-time calibration approach that’s impervious to outside shock and vibration. That design hedge incorporates that use of Wedge Prisms for beam steering the laser beams!