low power visible laser diodes (<1. 0W) offer a few key features including: High efficiency and long lifetime. Wide temperature range and high optical output power of violet, blue, green. Laser diodes, which are capable of converting electrical current into light, are available from Thorlabs with center wavelengths in the 375 - 2000 nm range and output powers from 0. Smart Filtering As you. A laser diode is a cool component that you can do a lot of fun stuff with, from engraving wood to creating a light show or giving your robot eyes! They range from super cheap (or even free if you can find one in an old CD player!) to more expensive. Most types are really easy to use too, once you.