Optotronics 30mw pen

I got my optotronics pens and they are great. One averages 48mw The 48mw has a narrow working temperature though. It only lases around 10 degrees celcius to 20 degrees celcius. It lases very little when its out of this temperature range. Like when its in my pocket for like 10mins it wont lase at full power. How can I fix this? Would using lithiums work? If I send it back for a new one I'm scared it wont make it through customs after 1st July :'( What should I do? :'( :'(

That's actually pretty common for pen lasers... I don't see any way of fixing it unless you want a huge heatsink on the end.

Due to the size and build styles of these lasers there really isn't much you can do. The changes in temperature will move the crystals around by the slightest amount and it will cause the output to be effected. I just say be glad with the nice pen you got.

Like everybody said you won't be able to fix the problem, many NewWish pens have that dimming problem.

Freshert, are you using NiMH batteries?

Yep. Crystal efficiency is HIGHLY dependant on the input wavelength from the diode. The diode's wavelength is HIGHLY dependant on temperature. Since NewWish lasers have about all the heatsinking of a toaster oven, it doesn't take much at all to kill your efficiency and output. Leave it on for long enough and you'll see nothing but a faint red spot from the NIR pump, with perhaps the faintest of a green halo around it.

The only way to fix that would be to replace the pump diode with one that has a lower center wavelength, and trust me, it'd be cheaper to just buy a couple new lasers than to pay someone to do that job for you.

Petrovski said:

Freshert, are you using NiMH batteries?

Click to expand...

I'm using Energizer e2 Advanced batteries.

Ok, that's a no I presume. Well in that case I'm afraid batteries are not the cause of the power drop. So I doubt non-rechargeable lithium batteries (which are indeed less affected by temperature) would help here.