The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module operates at a wavelength of 650 nm and emits a red laser beam. It can be used in various projects and applications, including indicator lights, laser pointers, and light displays. The module is compact and easy to integrate into circuits, making it a convenient choice for DIY electronics projects.

Package Includes:

• 1 x The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module

Features:

• Wavelength: 650 nm, producing a bright red laser beam.
• Compact size: Easy to integrate into circuits and projects.
• Simple interface: Three-pin design for connecting to a microcontroller or power supply.
• Continuous wave output: Emits a continuous wave laser beam with a maximum output power of 5mW.
• Low voltage input range: Operates on a low voltage input range of 3V to 5V.
• Low current consumption: Ideal for battery-powered applications.
• High-quality components: Constructed with high-quality components to ensure reliable operation and a long lifespan.
• Versatile applications: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including indicator lights, laser pointers, light displays, and more.
• Ideal for DIY projects: Popular choice for DIY electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and students.

Description:

The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module is a compact and versatile device designed for use in a range of electronics projects. It operates at a wavelength of 650 nm, producing a bright red laser beam that is visible in most lighting conditions. The module is easy to integrate into circuits and has a simple three-pin interface for connecting to a microcontroller or power supply. the KY-008 can emit a continuous wave laser beam with a maximum output power of 5mW. It has a low voltage input range of 3V to 5V and a low current consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. The module is constructed with high-quality components, ensuring reliable operation and a long lifespan.

Principle of Work:

The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module operates on the principle of stimulated emission of radiation, also known as laser. Here's a brief explanation of how it works:

1. Emitting material: The laser diode in the KY-008 is made of a material, typically GaAs (Gallium Arsenide), that is capable of emitting light in the red region of the spectrum when energized.
2. Doping: The laser diode is doped with a material, such as aluminum or nitrogen, that acts as an impurity to create a population inversion in the diode.
3. Population inversion: When a voltage is applied to the diode, the electrons in the impurity jump to the conduction band, creating a surplus of electrons in the conduction band and a shortage in the valence band.
4. Stimulated emission: When a photon of sufficient energy collides with an electron in the conduction band, it stimulates the emission of another photon with the same wavelength and phase as the incident photon.
5. Optical cavity: The laser diode is housed in an optical cavity, which is a resonant cavity that reflects light back and forth through the laser diode, amplifying the light and creating a collimated laser beam.
6. Output: The laser beam exits the optical cavity through a lens and is focused into a tight, collimated beam.

Pinout of the Module:

The sensor module has 4 pins: VCC, GND, S: 

1. GND (Ground): This pin is connected to the ground of the power supply or the ground of the microcontroller, such as an Arduino.
2. VCC (Positive Voltage): This pin is connected to the positive voltage of the power supply, typically 5V.
3. Signal: This pin is used to turn the laser on and off. It is connected to a digital output pin on the microcontroller, such as an Arduino, and is used to send a signal to the laser to turn it on and off.

 

Applications: 

• Indicator lights: The bright red laser beam can be used as a visual indicator light in various projects and applications.
• Laser pointers: The module can be used to create a simple laser pointer for presentations, demonstrations, or personal use.
• Light displays: The laser beam can be used in light shows, animation displays, and other creative projects.
• Distance sensing: The module can be used in combination with sensors and other components to create distance-sensing applications.
• Alignment: The laser beam can be used for aligning and positioning in various projects, such as measuring and testing equipment.
• DIY electronics: The compact size and ease of use of the module make it a popular choice for DIY electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and students.

Circuit:

A simple circuit for the KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module using an Arduino:

Connect the KY-008 to the Arduino board: Connect the GND pin of the KY-008 to a GND pin on the Arduino board. Connect the VCC pin of the KY-008 to a 5V pin on the Arduino board. Connect the Signal pin of the KY-008 to a digital pin on the Arduino board, such as pin 13.

 

Library:

 No need to install a library.

Code: 

Upload the code to the Arduino: You can use the following code to turn on the laser and make it blink at a regular interval:

 

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // set digital pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // turn the laser on
  delay(1000); // wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW); // turn the laser off
  delay(1000); // wait for 1 second
}

That's it! This is a simple and easy-to-use circuit for the KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module using an Arduino. You can use this circuit as a starting point for more complex projects and applications that require a laser source.

Technical Details:

• Operating wavelength: 650 nm
• Maximum output power: Typically in the range of 5mW to 100mW
• Voltage input range: Typically in the range of 3V to 5V
• Current consumption: Typically low, around 20-50mA
• Pin configuration:  three-pin
• Operating temperature range: Usually between 0°C and 50°C.
• Lifetime: Typically around 10,000 hours.

Resources:

Tutorial

Comparisons:

The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module and a bare-bone laser both have the same basic function: to produce a red laser beam. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Convenience: The KY-008 Red Laser Transmitter Module is a pre-packaged, ready-to-use module that requires minimal wiring and setup. A bare-bone laser, on the other hand, typically requires more components and additional steps to set up, including the laser diode, a driver circuit, and an optical cavity.
2. Size: The KY-008 is designed to be compact and easy to integrate into a wide range of projects, whereas a bare-bone laser may be larger and more difficult to integrate into smaller projects.
3. Cost: A bare-bone laser may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you need to use it in multiple projects. However, it may require more time and effort to set up, which can add to the overall cost. The KY-008, on the other hand, is more expensive in terms of cost per unit, but it requires less time and effort to set up.
4. Flexibility: A bare-bone laser allows for more flexibility in terms of the design and performance of the laser, as it can be tailored to meet specific requirements. The KY-008, on the other hand, is a standard product with limited flexibility.