In general, it depends on the type and power class level of your project. For semiconductor lasers under 5W, the control systems are fairly trivial given the f

In general, it depends on the type and power class level of your project. For semiconductor lasers under 5W, the control systems are fairly trivial given the fiber-optic network card industry makes fully integrated current controlled high-speed drivers. Every student should read this at least once: "Sam's Laser FAQ" ( http://www.lasersam.org/sam/lasersam.htm http://www.lasersam.org/sam/lasersam.htm ) As there is a lot of hard to find information regarding how these devices are made, and safe handling to prevent cooking your eyes/internal-flesh. Note when handling IR, be aware many of these optics are poisonous to handle with your bare hands given they have slight solubility in moisture. There are also pre-made true RGB/White laser modules with PWM control (under $150), but are limited to under 5mW due to US import rules. i.e. unless you are a legitimate company/lab/university importing parts, than you have customs issues building your project. Have fun, and take the lab safety advice seriously... A pirate eye-patch only looks cool to other people, but makes the world two dimensional. =3