SF-AW210 LOC diode... is 280mA-300mA a safe current?

The LOC in the SF-AW210...

What is a safe operating current? 280-300mA?
What kind of mW output would 280mA-300mA give on a LOC from an SF-AW210?

One way or another, a laser is getting built tonight. It's a gift for my brother for christmas and I don't have time to buy another 405nm diode and get it here in less than 2 days.

Accidents happen, and they're a learning experience. Worst I've done is 5 diodes dead (LED'd, crushed or blown apart) in an hour.

First thing you can try is re-soldering the diode to the wire, and seeing if it works. It might not be much, but it's worth a try.

Secondly, is the diode a short-die or long-die open can?

Does it look like this:



or



The short-die diodes shouldn't be pushed over 200mA (for 120-150mW out after an AixiZ acrylic lens), while the long die diodes can be taken up to 350mA safely (for around 200mW out after an AixiZ acrylic).

No, the LOC diode is not broke - I still have yet to extract it.
Hopefully it's a LOC.. I'll get a better look when I get the diode extracted.

SO the only difference between an LOC and SOC is the length of the laser die?
The LOC die exends the full length of the can?

Yes, you'd be correct on that assumption.

The LOC's die extends the full length of the pedestal, while the SOC has a much shorter die.

Try to push a short-die as hard as a long-die, and it dies. (no pun intended).

The current values I've recommended are extremely conservative, but seeing as it's a gift, I wouldn't take any chances.

The SF-AW210 definitely has a SOC diode. Here's a picture of the two I got out of my sleds: (click to enlarge)


I run mine at around 200mA, here's some PIV plots if you'd like more info:

http://i53.tinypic.com/16lk969.jpg