KY-008 Laser Module : PinOut, Features, Specifications, Interfacing, Working, Datasheet & Its Applications

The laser diode (diode laser) is a small semiconductor diode that emits radiation physically. This diode is directly pumped with an electrical current which creates lasing conditions at the junction of the diode. So they can change electrical energy directly into light. Laser diodes contain SH (single heterojunction), DH (double heterojunction), and QW (quantum well) laser diodes. These diodes manufacture laser modules manufactured by companies like Osram, Mitsubishi, Nichia, Sony, etc. So the term laser module in the laser display industry is an electronic device that produces a fixed laser beam with single (or) several wavelengths (or) colors. This article elaborates on the KY-008 laser module, pinout, specifications, and its applications.

What is the KY-008 Laser Module?

KY-008 is a laser module or laser transmitter module that uses certain semiconductor materials to emit laser beams. This module contains a laser diode, cooling device, lenses, possible electrical elements, some optics, etc. This module can create a dot from a laser beam that can be utilized to create small laser shows as a laser pointer. It is compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other popular microcontrollers. These modules are used in medical equipment, manufacturing, 3D printing, and many more.

How KY-008 Laser Module Work?

A laser module works with the stimulated radiation emission principle where an electric current is provided to a semiconductor material which causes electrons to move to an excited energy stage. After that whenever they drop back down, they produce photons of light, which in turn excite other electrons to generate photons with a similar wavelength & phase. So it results in a coherent and amplified light beam. This procedure occurs in an optical cavity through mirrors that reflect backward and forward the light to increase the amplification effect. Thus, this allows a focused laser signal to be emitted at the output coupler.

Pin Configuration:

The pin configuration of the KY-008 laser module is shown below. This module includes three pins which are explained below.

    KY-008 Pin Configuration

• Pin-1 (S): This is the signal pin of the module which controls whether the laser is turned off/on.
• Pin-2 (5V): This is a power supply pin that provides supply based on the module.
• Pin-3 (GND): This is the ground pin of the module.

Features & Specifications:

The features and specifications of the KY-008 laser module include the following.

• KY-008 is a 3-pin laser module.
• This module’s operating voltage ranges from 3.0V to 5V.
• Its operating current is 40mA.
• Its output is a red color laser beam.
• The wavelength is 650nm.
• The transmit power is 58mW.
• The line length is approximately 135 mm
• Its size is 12.0 x35mm
• Its outer diameter is 6mm
• Output power is 5mWatts.
• The wavelength is 650nm.
• Operating current is < 40mA.
• Operating temperature ranges from -36◦C to 65◦C.
• Working temperature ranges from -10°C ~ 40°C.

Equivalents & Alternatives

Equivalent to the KY-008 laser module is the KY-005 module and the 650nm red laser module. Alternative laser modules are; Acxico 2Sets laser sensor module, XCLUMA KY-008 650nm, FPYL-375-XXT-XS, Stradus 395-100, Stradus 375-60, FOLM-405-12-LM, FOLM-405-25-LM, FOLM-405-40-LM, FOLM-404-180-LM, Stradus 405-100, etc.

KY-008 Laser Module Interfacing with Arduino Uno

This interface shows how to interface the KY-008 laser module with the Arduino board. This is a laser transmitter module that generates a dot-shaped laser beam that creates a laser show. This module is well-matched with Arduino Uno, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, etc.

The required components to make this interfacing mainly include a KY-008 laser module, Arduino Uno, and connecting wires. The connections of this interfacing follow as;

              KY-008 Laser Module Interfacing with Arduino

• Connect the 5V pin of the module to the 5V pin of the Arduino board.
• The GND pin of the module is connected to the GND pin of the Arduino board.
• The digital output pins of your Arduino are connected to the signal pin of this module.
• You can turn the laser ON or OFF by setting the signal pin of the module low or high.

Code:

The required code for the laser module interfacing with Arduino is shown below.

// Code for a laser module blinking with Arduino Uno//
void setup()
{
pinMode(2, OUTPUT);
}
void loop()
{
digitalWrite(2, HIGH);
delay(300);
digitalWrite(2, LOW);
delay(700);
}

Working

Open Arduino IDE, copy the code above, and upload it into your Arduino board. In the above code, set pin-7 of Arduino as the output to control the laser module. After that, we can turn ON/OFF the laser for every second thus you should observe the Laser beam blink once each second.

Difference between Laser Diode and Laser Module

The difference between a laser diode and a laser module includes the following.

Precautions:

The following precautions must be taken while using this KY-008 laser module.

• KY-008 laser module must be handled with some precautions because it provides a red color laser beam which is dangerous to your eyes.
• Never directly look into the laser beam.
• Don’t spot the laser beam at another person
• Stay away from small children from the laser beam.
• Follow security guidelines while using laser modules in any application.
• Be conscious of reflective surfaces in the region wherever the laser beam is being used because the laser beam can bounce off which damages someone’s eyes potentially.
• Use the laser module only for intended applications by following the instructions of the manufacturer.
• Reduce distractions and make sure the work region is well-lit to decrease the chance of accidental experience.

Advantages & Disadvantages

The advantages of the KY-008 laser module include the following.

• The KY-008 laser module has less power consumption.
• These modules’ size is compact.
• It has a high-intensity visible red color laser beam.
• It is compatible with different microcontrollers.
• These are affordable and used in a wide range of applications.
• It is simple to use.
• They have a small form factor.
• It operates with less power.
• Its laser beam has high intensity.

The disadvantages of the KY-008 laser module include the following.

• The visible red color laser beam can be dangerous to the eyes if exposed directly.
• The laser beam has a fairly short range.
• Environmental factors can disturb the laser beam.
• The laser beam makes it difficult to exactly target a particular point.
• Some users report complexity in finding complete specifications (or) datasheets for this laser module, so it is challenging to design different projects around it.

Applications

The applications of the KY-008 laser module include the following.

• Developers commonly use a KY-008 laser module with different microcontrollers, allowing it to be applied in various applications such as object detection, simple laser pointers, remote signal detection, security systems, DIY robotics projects, laser-based line tracking, and creating mini laser shows.
• These modules suit educational purposes and hobbyist projects.
• You can use a phototransistor or photoresistor to detect the reflected laser beam, enabling this module to identify the presence of an object.
• Builders utilize this module to create a line-following robot that directs the laser signal onto a dark line.
• A designer establishes a simple security system by setting up a laser beam across a region, which triggers an alarm whenever someone disrupts the beam.
• This module measures distances based on the time taken for the laser signal to reach a target and reflect through suitable calculations and timing.
• Beginners frequently use this module in robotics and electronics projects.

Please refer to this link for the KY-008 laser module datasheet.

Thus, this overview covers the KY-008 Laser Module, its pin-out, features, specifications, interfacing, and applications. Engineers and hobbyists can easily obtain this compact module, which integrates with various microcontrollers to control a visible red laser beam. This straightforward 3-pin module suits different electronic projects, although users must exercise care due to the potential eye risks associated with the laser beam. Here is a question for you: what is the KY-005 module?