Burnt Aixiz plastic optics?

Um, is it possible for a diode to partially melt an Aixiz module's plastic lens?

I recently changed out a rkcstr driver (at max. output to diode running with two CR123A 3.7V batteries) for a flexdrive (at max output to diode running with a single 18650) on my "1[W]" 445[nm] build. I think that this maneuver increased the output to perhaps the sought-after 1[W] although there's no way to really test this.

ANYWAY, maybe 1 hour of usage later I began noticing how unclean the dot was, not in terms of divergence but in terms of just the aberrations and ugliness and stuff when I defocus the lens to enlarge the dot.

Unscrewed the module's lens entirely and removed. Began inspecting it with flashlight, blew off dust. One piece of dust didn't come off with q-tip and rubbing alcohol. Noticed that it was possibly melted/burnt.

Is it possible for a diode to melt this lens? What kind of replacement is recommended?

you cant use a plastic lens for those strong builds. You need a 3 elements glass lens or a G-1/G-2 lens. They are made with a coated glass lens instead of plastic. Here are some, Laser Lenses

Yup, you can melt a plastic lens.

You need a glass lens instead.

cajunlasers.com, survivallaser.com, jayrob here on the forum, lots of places to pick up a lens.

445nm AR Coated Standard Glass Lens Assembly

Edit: Looks like Taco beat me to it

The shorter wavelength lasers (445nm, 405nm) will definitely melt those plastic lenses; however, the longer wavelength (reds) usually don't have any effect. I would swap out that lens as soon as possible so that the melted lens fumes don't coat the window of the laser diode.

You can also get those lenses from DTR.

:banghead: knew I forgot someone. Note to self, no posts after 3am, and drinking.

Its been discussed a lot here-- had you done ALL your homework you would know this.
....and ruined acrylic lens is the least of your problems- your can ruin an expensive diode too.

what can happen is the lens darkens just a little and as we ALL know dark colors absorb more heat-- which in turn darkens the lens even more and it again absorbs too much heat and will eventually catch fire, burn down your house and ruin your life forever-:tsk:--J/K but seriously...

IF a diode can burn things why would you not figure out that the lens needs to be not 'meltable'.-- any G lens is glass and AixiZ sell glass for both 405/450 and red diodes- also easier to clean and in most cases yields more output.(but not always)

AND any time you observe something different --you need to stop- and find the cause- it can be just dust or debris on the front of the lens or something inside.


side note-- the cotton on SOME q-tips has glue to keep it in place- and SOME solvents/lens cleaners can dissolve this glue and deposit it on your lens and that is the end of that lens.
OUCH!!
hope I have helped--


Len



hope this heps w/o hurting your feelings..

I think the acrylic lens will be okay. It is the black plastic lens barrel that will melt under high power. That is why high-power laser use all metal/glass construction.
It was already discussed in this topic,
http://laserpointerforums.com/f49/acrylic-vs-glass-lens-better-70756.html

InfinitusEquitas said:

:banghead: knew I forgot someone. Note to self, no posts after 3am, and drinking.

Click to expand...

I was not feeling the love.:yabbem:

DTR said:

I was not feeling the love.:yabbem:

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Sorry, my brain was fried yesterday after a long, day, movies, and then being out late.

Avengers overload... the movie more than lived up to my over-hyped expectations

InfinitusEquitas said:

Sorry, my brain was fried yesterday after a long, day, movies, and then being out late.

Avengers overload... the movie more than lived up to my over-hyped expectations

Click to expand...

It's all good. I could not resist giveing you some trouble.