Ideal Current for Laser

I have a 405nm 250mw laser diode (at least that's what the title said when I bought it). I put it together with this driver.
405nm 100-300mw Laser Diode Driver Reverse protection | eBay

I'm using 2AAA batteries to power it up.

I was wondering what would be an ideal current for burning and long life.

it is hard to say with out knowing what your exact laser is...
if it is a:
phr, then 100ma
6x, then 160ma
8x, then 300ma

but to get the most out of your laser use good heat sinking, lithium ion batteries and a lens that is suited to your wavelength of light.

michael.

Thanks chipdouglas,

I'm pretty sure it's a 6x. I'll look into the lithium ion battery. Are Lithium Ions rechargeable?

I have this lens.
405nm laser /445nm laser collimation lens/glasses lens | eBay

Though I'm having a little trouble adjusting it. It's unfocused when it's too close and too far and is only focused okish at a certain distance. I tried turning the inner part but it didn't seem to affect the focus. Any ideas?
I'll play around with it more once i actually put the whole laser together.

i have one of those lenes. it is ok. you shouldn't have a problem. what host are you using? here is a battery reference

remember that lithium ions are 4.2v fully charged and standard batts are 1.5v.
AA = 14500 lithum ion
AAA = 10440 lithum ion
all all other lithium ions will usuall be stated by laser mfg.

Edi;

Suggested safe operating currents are tabulated in post in my signature.

LarryDFW

Good info, thanks Larry.

chipdouglas, I'm actually having a little problem with the lens :undecided: I turn the inner part but it doesn't adjust. It's doesn't seem like the lens is moving at all.

I'm still deciding on the host. I ordered something like this:
New Powerful Red Laser Pointer Pen Beam Light 5mW | eBay
but I figured out I can make it fit and work in a tiny cheap laser pointer I took apart a while back using button cell batteries.
http://www.frys.com/ac/largerimg/index.jsp?sku=4354205

The only problem is that after a while the laser glows brightly then dims every time i turn it on, I'm guessing it's cuz of the batteries?
I was thinking maybe trying higher power batteries. The driver is rated for at least 2.7v but I think those cell batteries can't provide that much after a while maybe cuz of the load so a 3v button cell might fix the problem. Tell me if I'm wrong.

If it doesn't work out I can always use the host I ordered once it comes.

NOOO! The pin broke off the diode:cryyy::banghead:
$20 down the drain. oh well, not to bad. now I know to be more careful.

I ordered another one, now I have to wait like 3 weeks till it ships from china. I guess it's no lasing till then and back to focusing on

school :lasergun:

which pin? if it was the negative pin, then you have a good chance to fix it. just make a solder blob on top of it and then connect a wire to the case pin (not the pos pin)

michael

No, it was the + pin. no way to fix that as far as I know.

I probably wont put my new one in that small laser pointer, not enough space to work in. I have a small LED flashlight that I think would be perfect. I'll get to work on the flashlight so it'll be ready when the diode comes.

I also ordered a 650nm 150mw diode for $4 and a 808nm 300mw for $3.79. I'll probably build one of the cheaper ones first just so I can get it right cuz they're all ganna come at about the same time.

Don't do the 808nm first, it is much more dangerous as it is invisible. I recomend starting with the 150mW 650.

Alright, thanks for the advice.

I don't have safety goggles for 808nm so I'll just do that one later then. The safety goggles are really expensive though.

Any place I can get 808nm goggles for cheap?