>1w 450nm laser

Hi, i am going to make a 1 watt laser with these compenents:

Diode: 5.6mm 445nm ~1W laser diode [445nm] - $49.99 : Modwerx Shop
Driver: I am going to make my own, i will be putting two pots on so one will be the maximum mA and the second pot will come out of the housing so i can adjust the power to my choice.
Housing(very simple): 1591XX IP54 Transparent Blue Enclosures : Plastic Enclosures : Maplin
Batteries: 18650 3.7V Trustfire Protected Battery (2400mAh) - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop
Heatsink: As the heatsink i am going to get a block of aluminium and fit it is the housing. I will then put the aixiz module in the heat sink.
Axiz: http://modwerx.com/shop/laser-module-w-heatsink-and-ar-coated-glass-lens-405450nm-p-60.html

I would be using 2 batteries which would make up 7.4v but it would still give me 2400mAh, by putting 2 batteries it would get me up to the required voltage which is 7.4v. I would still get 2400mAh as the current does not change.

Does this sound like a good idea? Has anyone got anything to correct me on, please say...

Thanks

Oh yes and i have a question
How many mA should i put into the diode, i heard that i should put 1.2A to get 1W. Am i right?

Use this formula to determine the resistor to use(LM317 driver):

1.25/desired current in amps= Resistor value

Can anyone answer why when i make the driver it says that i have to drive it from 6-9v. I have been looking on the forum and people have only been using one 18650 3.7V battery, they are 3.7v each. I will need 2 of these, to take me up to 7.4v. How can i just use one battery like everyone else who is making a 1 watt laser, i know that they are using micro flexdrive, but is this why they can only run there diode and driver on 3.7v.

Help please!

itsmei said:

Can anyone answer why when i make the driver it says that i have to drive it from 6-9v. I have been looking on the forum and people have only been using one 18650 3.7V battery, they are 3.7v each. I will need 2 of these, to take me up to 7.4v. How can i just use one battery like everyone else who is making a 1 watt laser, i know that they are using micro flexdrive, but is this why they can only run there diode and driver on 3.7v.

Help please!

Click to expand...

If you make a linear driver, you will need the 6-9V you are talking about. Most of the DIY drivers we use have a LMXXX set up as a current regulator. With this setup, the LMXXX has a 1.25V dropout voltage, then you need >1V more to have some run time + the voltage required of the LD.

People that are only using one 18650 are using boost drivers. Those can be DIY as well but are more difficult to make.