LaserCube – World’s Smallest Laser Show Projector

Pure diode

All LaserCube models are completely equipped with diodes. Due to this the quality of the beam and the projector will be much higher than standard laser modules.
The advantages of a laser diode are: more stability, brighter output, better blanking, better reliability especially over time.

Scanners

Scanners (also called “galvos” or “galvanometers”) are computer-controlled electromagnetic devices that move mirrors mounted on the end of rotary shafts.
The mirror reflects the laser beam to “draw” images. Galvanometers are typically identified by their speed of operation, the speed at which they can draw points (measured in Kpps = kilo points per second), and the angle at which they achieve this speed. The faster the galvanometers, the smoother and more flicker-free the projected image. Each galvanometer moves the beam in one plane, either X axis or Y axis.

ILDA

ILDA ports are compatible with the ILDA standard that specifies the channels and pinout for the 25-pin D-SUB input connector. A DAC is needed to convert the digital control signal from the computer into analog signals that control the scanners in the laser projector. It works by sending an analog signal from your DAC hardware into the male DB-25, or also known as the ILDA IN port. There are a variety of DACs available in the market for hobbyists and professionals.

Modulation

Analog modulation means that the laser diodes can do more than just turn to 100% on or 100% off, and can emit laser at a large range of power levels. Analog-modulating diodes are the industry standard for galvanometer-based projectors, and while costing a little more than TTL diodes, analog diodes offer a much wider color palette than TTL systems. Analog modulation also allows you to fade the laser beams in and out, which gives you a lot more creative control for your show programming. Analog systems can create anywhere from dozens to thousands of possible colors, depending on the specifications of the system.

Beam Specs

The beam diameter refers to the diameter of the laser beam measured at the exit face of the laser housing. While laser beams are assumed to be collimated, they always diverge to a certain degree. The beam divergence defines how much the beam spreads out over increasing distance from the optical aperture.