The Laser Diode Module

A laser diode must be housed in something for you to use it in a project. A laser diode module does just that; it holds your diode while also providing a way to focus the emitted light. High power laser diodes also need to be heat-sinked to prevent them from overheating and damaging themselves.

The AixiZ Laser Diode Module

The AixiZ laser diode module is the most used module around. It holds any 5.6mm diode (pretty much every common available diode is 5.6mm). It also has an acrylic lens for focusing your laser, allowing it to burn things/light matches/etc. The AixiZ module is the standard laser diode module; most heat-sinks and hosts are designed to fit it.

 

You can find a laser diode module here:

A low powered red laser diode is already installed in this module, but it is easily removed without any special tools.

Other Laser Diode Modules

If you have an uncommon size laser diode there is not really standard module like there is for 5.6mm diodes. Your best bet would to be getting one made for you or searching on ebay.

Laser Diode Module Heatsinks

If you want your laser diode to live a long healthy life you need to provide it with proper heat-sinking. This keeps the diode at safe temperatures by providing mass for the excess heat created to transfer too. There are two styles of heat-sinks; a lab-style heat-sink and a portable style heat-sink.

Lab Style Heatsinks

Lab style heat-sinks are non portable and are meant to be mounted or used on a stationary surface. They are usually larger and provide more cooling for your laser diode module.

Here is a very inexpensive lab-style heat-sink that I use in projects often:

It fits an AixiZ module perfectly, and has holes to be easily mounted.

Portable Heatsinks

If you want your laser diode module to be portable or handheld, this is the kind of heat-sink you want. They are usually made to fit inside of a flashlight body.