[Laser] How to Collimate LED? Need info please

[David Willmore]

> My GOD!  Look at that
> array!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> 
> http://www.qsl.net/w1vlf/techinfo/techinfo.html
> 
> I have a couple arrays I want to play with, each 24 LEDs, one IR, one Red in
> the process of being built.  The IR runs about 15W input.  The IR unit is
> fun, I put my hand in front of it and looked at it with a CCD camera, the IR
> passed right through, just a ghostly outline of my hand with a few veins in
> it.  I purchased 30 ultrabright red LEDs from Electronic Goldmine to play
> with, but I am unsure of the voltage to apply to them so the project is on
> hold till I figure that out.

They're predominately current mode devices, so don't worry too much about the
voltage, regulate the current.  You can use an LM317 design for reasonable
sized arrays or some switching arrangement for larger ones.

For some really strange parts, check out: http://www.roithner-laser.com
LEDs and lasers all across the NIR-FIR spectrum.  Enjoy.

Cheers,
David N0YMV