Cheap IR laser diode?

OK if I get one of these:

http://stonetek.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=220

And stick it in a Aixiz module with a micro drive regulator will it burn stuff with equivalent of a another 200mW laser that's another color.

I guess what I'm asking is: Does wavelength make a difference when it comes to burning, popping balloons, lighting matches, that kind of stuff, if they're the same mW?

Although a blue photon has a higher energy than an IR one, because 1W= 1 Joule/second, any 200mW laser will give out the same amount of energy per second.

What makes the most difference when burning with different wavelengths is the colour of what you're burning. If it's the same as the laser then it's going to reflect most of the light and not burn. You might find some black things that don't burn with IR, but then some white looking things that do. In general though an 808nm will burn similar things to a red one.

Don't forget your goggles! A 200mW 808nm dot looks like a very faint red one, but it'll burn your eyes without thinking twice if you're too close.

Cool Thanks!! ;D

What driver, voltage, and current would you recommend for a 200mw IR Laser diode?

According to the datasheet on the Stonetek website, the typical operating current is 240mA (max 280mA) and voltage is 1.9V (max 2.3V).

Don't forget that shorter waves can be focused a little bit better for more mW/mm[sup]2[/sup] , and basicly more burning power.So a 200mW 808nm will have a little burning deficiency compared to a 200mW bluray for example, but with totally black stuff it's not gonna be very noticeable.