Overspec pump diode?

Hello

Lately I've bought a 500mW lab 532 laser (used) and I wasnt satisfied with quality of beam so I decided to take it apart for realigning. After some testing on the bare diode, I've come to conclusion that it MAY be much more powerful pump diode than needed, with limited current. For 500mW of green with NdYvo we need ~2W of 808 - basic current was 1.8A (perfect for 2w output). The diode takes more than 3A current without signs of failure - how to check the max safe power of this diode? Pics attached - 1A, 2A, 2.5A, 3A current. I dont have a power meter so I try to find other way to check this. The beam quality is improving with power (line turns into square, its better for pumping crystals) , thats why I think its NOT a generic 2W 808 but something more powerful.

celas said:

basic current was 1.8A (perfect for 2w output).

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I'm not sure where you're getting that figure, but that's not correct. A typical 808nm laser diode will output something closer to 1.5W for that current.

celas said:

The diode takes more than 3A current without signs of failure

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Most diodes don't have signs of failure, besides the failure itself.

"I ran this 120V light bulb at 150V, and there are no signs of failure yet"

celas said:

how to check the max safe power of this diode?

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Safe according to whom and what criteria?

What you're suggesting is basically a "pot mod". Google that to find out why it's widely regarded as a bad idea by those that know better.