Pioneer 8X Blu-Ray-- BDR-203

pullbangdead said:

[quote author=Spyderz20x6 link=1236464366/240#251 date=1238018567]
Can you ask him if exposing the die of a 405nM diode is harmful to it?

Click to expand...

I have previously asked a project scientist I work with about this (project scientists run all the projects, it's a big group, so there is a lot of delegation of the day-to-day research), and his response was that it was not clear.  This particular scientists has been in laser diodes for decades, and was basically running the entire III-N laser diodes project for the group, so he knows his stuff.  He basically said "maybe", but it really depends on how the device is processed.  Air shouldn't be doing anything to the GaN/InGaN really, that stuff is amazingly tough.  

His idea was that MAYBE air can mess with facet coatings, if there are any on the diode.  Generally, laser diodes can often work with etched facets or cleaved facets to make the cavity mirrors.  However, to make the diodes work better, it's fairly common to put coatings on the facets to increase the reflectivity.  If therea re facet coatings, and those coatings are of materials that can be affected by humidity or air in general, then maybe those coatings could be breaking down.  If the coatings break down, then the reflectivity could drop or just mess up the diode in general.  

So, as unfulfilling as it is, it's a big "maybe".  His answer was: if the window is already broken, de-can it.  You have nothing to lose.  If the can is ok and intact, don't risk it, since there's barely anything to gain anyway, and it may be a problem for facet coatings.  But it shouldn't be doing anything to the GaN.[/quote]
I see

See the SF-AW210 thread, de-canning didn't go so well for me (or my poor Linus!) ;D

I have had several PM's asking what the "safe" current would be for this diode. At this point WE DON'T KNOW.

Unless you can identify this diode AND get a data sheet for it, we have to figure that out ourselves. So far we have ONE running at 365mA.

Buy one. Hook it up. Push it farther. Be part of the science.

Peace,
dave

Hey Dave.. How long has that one been running at that current? Being the stickler for proper treatment of electronic components that I am, I think it will be extremely difficult to determine how long a diode will last at any given power without actually letting it burn for a few thousand hours (if it even makes it that long).. The only reason we were able to get a good bead on the performance of the PHRs was due to the sheer number of people involved in the experimentation (which was fueled by the fact that the diodes are so very cheap). It could be done in a simpler and faster manner if one person has the means to do so, or if several people were to carefully collaborate.

What really needs to be done (if it's not being done already) is for someone (or several someones) to buy at least 5 or more of these diodes, install each in identical lab-style heatsinks, set each one at a slightly higher current than the one before it across a given range of current values (using identical drivers), and leave them on 24-7. As each dies, record the burn time up to that point.

The only thing that would skew the results would be the presence of a "freak" or two in the lineup, but this could easily be overcome by testing two or more diodes at each current level. A study of the results should lead to a "safe" current rating for these diodes..

post 666 [smiley=evil.gif]

ElektroFreak said:

Hey Dave.. How long has that one been running at that current? Being the stickler for proper treatment of electronic components that I am, I think it will be extremely difficult to determine how long a diode will last at any given power without actually letting it burn for a few thousand hours (if it even makes it that long).. The only reason we were able to get a good bead on the performance of the PHRs was due to the sheer number of people involved in the experimentation (which was fueled by the fact that the diodes are so very cheap). It could be done in a simpler and faster manner if one person has the means to do so, or if several people were to carefully collaborate.
What really needs to be done (if it's not being done already) is for someone (or several someones) to buy at least 5 or more of these diodes, install each in identical lab-style heatsinks, set each one at a slightly higher current than the one before it across a given range of current values (using identical drivers), and leave them on 24-7. As each dies, record the burn time up to that point.
The only thing that would skew the results would be the presence of a "freak" or two in the lineup, but this could easily be overcome by testing two or more diodes at each current level. A study of the results should lead to a "safe" current rating for these diodes..
post 666  [smiley=evil.gif]

Click to expand...

Agreed!

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that anyone here is willing to spend >$1,000 on diodes for the test. My proposal is the same process we have had to endure for most of the hobby. A few of us pay too much for a DVD/BR burner, extract the diodes, and compare our results through posting them herein.

Then after we learn enough from our $300 diodes, someone is able to find them using the information we have provided and we watch everybody else get the sled (QC rejects) for $50 <sigh>

If someone wants to donate the $1,000, I would be happy to dedicate the time and workbench space to do long term current tests on five diodes

Mine has accrued just over 20 minutes burn time at 365mA at this point. It has never been left on longer than 90 seconds.

Peace,
dave

Dave,
Unless I am mistaken, the BDR-203 uses one of these diodes from SONY.
http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/pro/laser_diode/blu_ray_rec.html
I believe that it is the SLD3235VF Diode that you are using.
There is a small chance that the same diode is in a Pioneer 4x drive.

Pioneer uses Sony diodes.

Later,
Heath

You guys that spend the big bucks to glean info on the newest diodes are saints as far as I'm concerned.. It makes me wish that I had more $$ to spend on the hobby. I'd gladly get in on the fun, but having a new baby at home makes it hard to sell the wife on multi-thousand dollar laser projects.. But that's OK, my priorities are in the right order.

iskor12 said:

Dave,
Unless I am mistaken, the BDR-203 uses one of these diodes from SONY.
http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/pro/laser_diode/blu_ray_rec.html
I believe that it is the SLD3235VF Diode that you are using.
There is a small chance that the same diode is in a Pioneer 4x drive.
Pioneer uses Sony diodes.
Later,
Heath

Click to expand...

It is entirely possible.  We have found that we can usually push the diode in CW to twice its pulsed rating.  

No 4X diode has been found to have the same electronic profile as this diode has.  It is possible that we didn't play with 4X diodes enough because of the availability of the 6X's AND the QC reject 4X we could get in just the sled.  I doubt the 4X idea, but it is possible.  We had both 4X and 6X sleds that were virtually identical except for the diode and a heat sink.  More power out of the same optics and set-up leads to the conclusion that the diodes were different.

ElektroFreak said:

You guys that spend the big bucks to glean info on the newest diodes are saints as far as I'm concerned.. It makes me wish that I had more $$ to spend on the hobby. I'd gladly get in on the fun, but having a new baby at home makes it hard to sell the wife on multi-thousand dollar laser projects.. But that's OK, my priorities are in the right order

Click to expand...

We're not saints. It is our hobby. Hobbies cost money.

I wholeheartedly agree about where your priorities are placed.

These are diodes

Those are human beings

Love them with all you've got.

Sometimes they go away before their time :'(

Peace,
dave

Dave,
What is even more interesting is that Sony sells the 8x diode for $45 or 4500 yen.
I think that you have the SLD3234VFI diode.
Sony Price list:
Blue-violet laser diode for BD recorder

"SLD3234VF" (output 170mW, [ch966]5.6mm)=4,500 Yen
"SLD3234VFI" (output 170mW, [ch966]3.8mm)=5,000 Yen

iskor12 said:

Dave,
What is even more interesting is that Sony sells the 8x diode for $45 or 4500 yen.
I think that you have the SLD3234VFI diode.
Sony Price list:
Blue-violet laser diode for BD recorder

"SLD3234VF" (output 170mW, [ch966]5.6mm)=4,500 Yen
"SLD3234VFI" (output 170mW, [ch966]3.8mm)=5,000 Yen

Click to expand...

The SLD3234VFI is a 3.8mm diode case. This is a 5.6mm case

Peace,
dave

iskor12 said:

Dave,
What is even more interesting is that Sony sells the 8x diode for $45 or 4500 yen.
I think that you have the SLD3234VFI diode.
Sony Price list:
Blue-violet laser diode for BD recorder

"SLD3234VF" (output 170mW, [ch966]5.6mm)=4,500 Yen
"SLD3234VFI" (output 170mW, [ch966]3.8mm)=5,000 Yen

Click to expand...

How about a link to the prices... :

@Dave.. it looks like the "SLD3234VF" is a 5.6mm


Jerry

daguin said:

[quote author=iskor12 link=1236464366/256#264 date=1238090819]Dave,
What is even more interesting is that Sony sells the 8x diode for $45 or 4500 yen.
I think that you have the SLD3234VFI diode.
Sony Price list:
Blue-violet laser diode for BD recorder

"SLD3234VF" (output 170mW, [ch966]5.6mm)=4,500 Yen
"SLD3234VFI" (output 170mW, [ch966]3.8mm)=5,000 Yen

Click to expand...

The SLD3234VFI is a 3.8mm diode case.  This is a 5.6mm case

Peace,
dave[/quote]

My bad, I thought that you said that it was smaller than normal.  Well then, in my opinion, I think it's the SLD3234VF then. ;D
Either way, I emailed Sony for a quote, but I honestly don't expect to hear from them.  I figured that it's worth a shot though.



[highlight]EDIT:  I feel like an a__.  I am sory. The diode you have is the SLD3235VF.  One number off!!  I will have to look up the price for that one.  Sory to get anyones hopes up.

Here is the information on the 4X diode.  Again, sory.
http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/cx_news/vol49/pdf/sld3234vf_vfi.pdf

This is where I found the Pricing.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=838354
Blue-violet laser diode for BD recorder

"SLD3235VF" (output 240mW, [ch966]5.6mm)=4,500 Yen
"SLD3235VFI" (output 240mW, [ch966]3.8mm)=5,000 Yen
Prices are still the same though.[/highlight]

I have found the official page for their prices.
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200704/07-037E/index.html

I am fresh out of anymore information though. I will let you know if Sony ever responds to my email.

Does anyone know of a way to buy these diodes directly from Sony in small enough quantities for a GB? If so, that would obviously be awesome..

no everytime somone tries they get a crazy qoute for a sample diode like 500-5000 each kinda easier buying a sled and taking it out but hey give it a try if you succeed youll be the forum hero

ElektroFreak said:

Does anyone know of a way to buy these diodes directly from Sony in small enough quantities for a GB? If so, that would obviously be awesome..

Click to expand...

This was the email contact that I used.
sony.parts@am.sony.com
Good luck.