First laser (OLSGL50) - is it broke?

Received my first laser this morning and first impressions were awesome (50mw o-like). It didn't take long until I realized the beam was splitting and a "flashlight" affect was happening to one side of the laser. The beam quality clearly drops immediately after pressing the button. Tonight I could see the beam split in two. In fact, best I could tell, the beam leaves the aperture split, converges at approximately 3 feet, and then splits again. Each time I press the button it resets and within half a second splits (as well as the flashlight affect in one direction).

I've attached two pictures taken from this evening. One is a badly focussed shot into my garage, but it clearly shows the "dot" on the right and scatter on the left. The second image is from the driveway, and it is perhaps more clear. The dot is definitely not a dot, however I know it is hard to tell from the pictures.

Everyone's input is appreciated.

Thank you,

bhay

Iam almost certain the crystal got misaligned. I dont think that sound like dirt on the lens.

Where did you get it from.?

I would not attempt to fix this yourself. Since you are not familiar with laser all that much or at all. Especial re aliening the Crystal.

Definitely seems like crystals are out of alignment.

If you got it from O-like and it was like that from the start, contact Susie and ask to send it back for a replacement.

Thanks for the quick responses. You hit the nail on the head - I know little about lasers. It is peculiar that the laser appears to work fine for a split second and then that "shift" occurs. I will contact Susie.

A kudos to O-like for getting me what I ordered in under 10 days.

10 days for delivery from china... that's lighting fast. Even with express I have yet to break the two week barrier with o-like... where are you located?

The reason is may seem fine for a split second is mode hopping, and crystals going out of alignment as the laser warms up.

Take a couple of pictures (maybe couple more,) send them to Susie via email if you're not up to staying awake to chat on msn, and I'm sure she'll just ask you to send the laser back for a replacement or a refund.

I live in Jacksonville, FL. I suspect that would go nicely in my profile...

In fairness I decided to check the dates and how long it took. I can't help but start with copying this refund information:

05/04/2011 Deposit REFUND WP-ENERGY TECHNOLO 03/09

I won't stir up any trouble with that one, but getting what I ordered shortly after I ordered it was a breath of fresh air.

In any case, the laser was ordered 4/28 and arrived 5/9.