New IR laser, need some help

[zavy]

Hello everybody, I need to build an host for this:
CW Laser diode (CWLD) L9418-42 | Hamamatsu Photonics

but I never built any laser and I need to know what to do, as I understood I need a driver, but then? and which one?
Preferably it will be powered with a power supply and not a battery, because I need hours of continuous usage for study purpose.

I accept every hint and suggestions

 

[Alaskan]

http://www.laserfocusworld.com/arti...laser-diode-operation-101-a-user-s-guide.html

If completely new to it, follow the laser safety link in my signature and seek for more through online searches.

 

[Cyparagon]

Just get a standard 3.3V >2A power brick and a ~2.7ohm 5W power resistor to limit the current. A driver isn't really needed for a low power mains-supplied setup. You'll need a case with a lens and a heat sink as well.

 

[zavy]

Just get a standard 3.3V >2A power brick and a ~2.7ohm 5W power resistor to limit the current. A driver isn't really needed for a low power mains-supplied setup. You'll need a case with a lens and a heat sink as well.

Thank you, I red that I need something prevent overvoltage in case of fluctuations, is it not required? And where I can find a case and an heat sink? I know that hand light are usually used as case but as I don't need portability is it better to find something else? Also I know that usually the continuous use is discouraged but as I need to power it for hours do I need a really big heat sink?