Why Is My DIY Laser Sound Project Not Working?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a participant attempting to replicate a DIY laser sound project, specifically using a pen laser and a photodiode. The scope includes practical application and experimental setup related to sound modulation through laser technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses difficulty in achieving sound modulation using a pen laser instead of a HeNe laser, questioning whether the type of laser affects the outcome.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the photodiode being used, as the participant is unsure if it is a silicon diode, which raises questions about its suitability for the project.
  • Another participant inquires about the modulation source for the laser and whether ON/OFF changes can be detected with the current setup.
  • The original poster describes their method of using ground vibrations to create modulations and expresses a desire to combine their existing setup with a new interactive music installation.
  • There is a discussion about whether the principles of resonance and sound transmission can be applied to regular lasers, similar to HeNe lasers, based on the concept of mirrors and photon reflection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the effectiveness of using a pen laser versus a HeNe laser, and there are differing views on the suitability of the photodiode being used. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific reasons for the project's failure.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed information about the specific characteristics of the laser or photodiode, nor have they clarified the assumptions underlying their claims about resonance and modulation.

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 :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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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