Running A-140 diode @ 1.25A is it safe?

I have read about how much these diodes can vary in power and some are better than others. I have seen a lot of posts of people running them at about 500mA is there a reason they are not taking it higher? I have a big heatsink and running it off a LM317 driver with 7.4V at 1.25A. Is it safe, or will the diode die and is it risky?

Thanks

The 445nm diodes can even run at 1.8A! Good heatsinking is necessary.

Look this thread if you want to know more about 445nm diodes http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/list-445nm-diodes-51897.html

Blord said:

The 445nm diodes can even run at 1.8A! Good heating is necessary.

Click to expand...

Careful when running them at 1.8A though, some select diodes can't handle that much current.

I think the 1.25A range seems to be the sweet spot that many of the lasers sold around here are set at. Should give you a decent output and still a long life.

From what I understand 1.8A is the max for these and as said above, may shorten the life of the diode if it doesn't fry it right away. Even as low cast as they are, I won't ask anyone to set one that high for me in anything I am buying.

Why would you use a lm317? Lol, atleast use a lm1117

It doenst matter what you use to regulated the current though, 1 amp = 1 amp.

As for the current powering these diodes (provided there is ample heatsinking), i'd say that 1.0 amp is a relatively safe current that will produce a good amount of power without degrading the diode.

I guess 1.25 amp may be popular because it almost always results in a laser that is 1 watt or more, and doesnt tend to blow out the diode quickly.

1.8 amps is pushing for maximum power, and i would not recommend that for long diode life or continous operation.

Thanks everyone for this Info I have put another thread up called "I have built my first 445nm but...." I am having issues with the right current.