Why Is My DIY Laser Sound Project Not Working?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges faced in a DIY project attempting to replicate a sound modulation effect using a standard pen laser and a photodiode. The user questions whether the choice of laser and diode is the reason for the failure, noting that they are not using a HeNe laser, which is commonly used in such experiments. There is a focus on the importance of resonance and the interaction between the laser and photodiode to amplify small vibrations into audible sound. The user seeks clarification on whether the principles of resonance can be applied to regular lasers as well. The overall goal is to successfully integrate this setup into an interactive music installation for a bachelor project.
noianiz
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ok, so I've seen the movie
where they aline a HEnE laser with a photodiode to hear the modulations in the photon stream.
i been trying to re-do it, and i just can't get it to work. I am NOT using a HeNe laser, I am using a normal laser from a pen, as i was sure the concept of the laseres "resonance" is the same, but as its not working I am beginning to doubt. I am not sure I am using a silicon diode either(got it from a friend,so can't check it, but its a very reflective diode, so again in theory, it should work.

can anyone explain me why its not working? is it the laser? is it the diode?
i really need this to work as its part of my bachelor project.

Best regards
noia
please reply here
thanks :)
 
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noianiz said:
ok, so I've seen the movie
where they aline a HEnE laser with a photodiode to hear the modulations in the photon stream.
i been trying to re-do it, and i just can't get it to work. I am NOT using a HeNe laser, I am using a normal laser from a pen, as i was sure the concept of the laseres "resonance" is the same, but as its not working I am beginning to doubt. I am not sure I am using a silicon diode either(got it from a friend,so can't check it, but its a very reflective diode, so again in theory, it should work.

can anyone explain me why its not working? is it the laser? is it the diode?
i really need this to work as its part of my bachelor project.

Best regards
noia
please reply here
thanks :)


I'm at work, so I'm not able to watch YouTube videos. What is providing the modulation for your laser? Can you at least pick up ON/OFF changes with your PIN photodiode circuit?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the modulations is coursed by small vibrations in the ground, as the laser and photodiode is alined, and the diode is abit reflective coursing the photon stream to bounce back into the lasers mirror and back to the diode several times. making the smallest vibration or movement of the laser or diode to become amplified and audible as the diode is hooked up to a speaker.

i already build a box with laser and a photodiode making it possible to transfer sound over laser using AM modulation.
now i want to combine the two, to make it as a interactive music installation.

so the magic here is the resonance from the diode and back into the laser and so on.
am i right when i think this is not only doable with a HeNe laser? but also with a "regular" laser as the concept with mirrors is the same, its only the medium that's different?
 
please?anyone?
 
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