Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Weird Diode Output

P

Pikablu

0
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Messages
103
Points
0
My laser started flickering so I pulled out the module, inspected it and put it back in and then it stopped flickering... but then the diode had weird tiger stripe things. Any ideas as to what happened?

keep in mind the camera picks it up as way brighter than it really is, and it looks much more purple than it does blue, which shouldn't happen, seeing that it's 445nm. I did not focus it on the second image because the camera nearly whited out for some reason and it did not do it justice due to the fact that it looked like an extremely powerful flashlight rather than a faint purple dot... it sort of looks like a mode hopping laser 303
 

Attachments

  • Raw_Diode_Output.jpg
    Raw_Diode_Output.jpg
    104.2 KB · Views: 106
  • Collimated_Output.jpg
    Collimated_Output.jpg
    93.1 KB · Views: 106
Last edited:





paul1598419

paul1598419

0
Joined
Sep 20, 2013
Messages
17,453
Points
113
Exactly what laser and which diode are we talking about? From the look of what you've posted, it looks like maybe a lens problem, but, I can't say for sure without more information.
 
P

Pikablu

0
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Messages
103
Points
0
paul1598419 said:
Exactly what laser and which diode are we talking about? From the look of what you've posted, it looks like maybe a lens problem, but, I can't say for sure without more information.
Click to expand...

it's not the external lens, that I know for sure. Here is a picture of the open laser and module (ignore the 301, I used it as a stand). Judging from the price of the laser and look of it, i'd guess(?) a NICHIA NDB7875 but I dont really know.

link to laser http://www.o-like.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=417
 

Attachments

  • Module (1).jpg
    Module (1).jpg
    108.4 KB · Views: 120
  • Diode (1).jpg
    Diode (1).jpg
    100.7 KB · Views: 95
Last edited:
paul1598419

paul1598419

0
Joined
Sep 20, 2013
Messages
17,453
Points
113
If it was flickering, it probably was a problem with a connection to the battery, or the driver. Pulling the o-like laser apart and taking the module out has done something to the optical alignment of the laser. At this point, I doubt you can do any more damage, so I would take it apart again and try to see where the misalignment occurred. I'm not familiar with o-like lasers, having never bought one. I doubt it is a quality build for the price you paid.
 
RedCowboy

RedCowboy

0
Joined
Jul 10, 2015
Messages
9,909
Points
113
You may want to use a magnifying glass and look at the little window on top of the diode can, without any batteries in of course, it looks like, well just check the window and see if it's ok.
 
hakzaw1

hakzaw1

0
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
10,662
Points
113
not sure if this is related but...
I was powering up a red modlule at just at theshhold power it did not flicker but was pulsing --this could only be seen moving the dot on the wall where it appeared as dots or dashed but not a uninterrupted line.

Hope you are using ESD precaution when handling those diodes barehanded.

also be sure to short out ALL caps before adding power or soldering to the diode. (like from the driver)
 
P

Pikablu

0
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Messages
103
Points
0
hakzaw1 said:
Hope you are using ESD precaution when handling those diodes barehanded.
Click to expand...

Oh. I feel like a complete idiot now. I was screwing out the module on a wool couch... Is it damaged beyond repair now?
 
hakzaw1

hakzaw1

0
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
10,662
Points
113
ESD damage afaik is never 'repairable' and you will not see or hear anything when it happens. You might be able to fix it with a new driver or a new diode and the old driver.

It may still work but VERY dim ( we call that 'LEDed') Some call a laser barely working a 'zombie' (living dead)
ESD can come from your touch- from static from your soldering station-and failing to short all caps will kill too. If a laser dies and you do not change what do.. do not expect it to work a second time.
Wrist band and ESD (precaution) soldering station. Rubber gloves are good-an ESD working station is the best.
 
Benm

Benm

0
Joined
Aug 16, 2007
Messages
7,896
Points
113
It could be ESD damage, though you often get a loss of brightness with that, not just a deterioration in output pattern. In fact, ESD often causes components to fail completely.

The "LED-ed" condition often occurs due to too large a current within reasonable limits, damaging the mirror facets causing it to lase no longer, but the amount of light produced is not -that- much lower compared to what it was when still lasing. It's just no longer coherent nor monochromatic.
 
Lifetime17

Lifetime17

0
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
6,783
Points
113
Hi Hak,
I can't count how many times i i suggested ESD protocol. But folks get so as ease in building with no repercussions they say hey not me. Then all of sudden Bamm!! And they say it couldn't be, well ESD is a silent kill and you don't know when it's going to bite you in the a$$. Sorry i'm a firm believer in ESD precautions and the thing is it doesn't cost much at all.
Hey an old saying an old friend told me " To Old To Soon To Late To Smart"

Rich:)
 
hakzaw1

hakzaw1

0
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
10,662
Points
113
just got an email asking about skipping the driver and powering direct w/a battery!!!!!
 
C

Chrisbee

0
Joined
Nov 1, 2015
Messages
370
Points
0
I bought one of those super cheap (light blue colored) wrist strap ESD set-ups you'll see all over fleebay. Less than $3 I believe. Just be careful with super cheap stuff! Luckily I did a continuity test on mine before I used it, and found that cord that came with the strap showed a open circuit! The seller just refunded the money, and didn't want the strap back. So I made my own cable with wire I had lying around, and basically got a free ESD strap! It's a must for working with sensitive electronics, and can be had for next to nothing! :yh:
 
AMooMooCow

AMooMooCow

0
Joined
May 15, 2012
Messages
320
Points
28
The flickering might probably have been a puff of magic smoke, but the tiger stripes are definitely an artifact on a glass surface.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/ebay-thor-laser-93771.html

Try cleaning the lens on the diode with a factory-fresh Q-tip and cleaning or replacing the collimating lens. BTW, that's my favorite chinese host. The only bad thing about it is the very poor thermal conductivity between the body tube and the lens head. When heat builds up in a laser, the driver may act suspiciously. I've lost quite a few lasers due to heat buildup.
 
P

Pikablu

0
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Messages
103
Points
0
well this is awkward, I managed to "fix" my laser (by just letting it sit there undisturbed for a week) but then I went out for a walk, forgot to take my laser out of my pocket, and now my laser is lost in a park that is 161 acres large... great :mad:
 
  • Like
Reactions: GSS
You must log in or register to reply here.




Top