Perfect handheld.

[ColdWelder]

I am building a handheld in an aurora c6 host, for everyday use. And because of that, i really dont think i need anything stronger than 400 mw. I would like it to be 445nm. Is there a cheaper/more efficient way of doing this than getting a 1 watt diode and pumping less juice through it?

 

[Cyparagon]

Nope.

 

[Haloid95]

I dont think there is a way. If you wanted just 100mw you could buy this single mode one from Lazerer.

http://lazerer.com/mini B - 445nm 100mW Pocket Low Power Blue Laser Pointer?filter_name=mini B

 

[rocket689]

Yup. Here's where that 450nm single mode 3.8mm diode comes from

www.rayfoss.com

 

[Things]

^ Good luck getting a module for that, I've been trying for weeks!

 

[bobhaha]

Things send me a PM... I could try to make a one off module for you....

 

[AlexLaserMan]

I saw some 100mw/200mw modules on eBay by Axis or something along those lines. Check it out

 

[sopark4000]

Considering how cheap the A140 1W diodes can be had for you're much better of just using one of those and driving it a lower current.

 

[Flaminpyro]

if you get the 1W diode and run it at 400-500mW it will last longer than you do so this is really the way to go.

 

[rocket689]

I agree that the A140 would be cheaper and have a longer life.
However, the 450nm diode would have better divergence, seeing it is a single mode diode.

 

[sopark4000]

Well there you have it. So in the end it depends what kind of characteristics you want from the diode. I would still recommend the A140 even though the beam divergence won't be as great. Running an A140 around 400-500mW will give you an extremely long life time out of the laser as long as it is taken care of.

 

[ColdWelder]

Thanks everyone! I'm looking into the A140, and also the 450 nm. I will let you guys know what I build and upload some shots!

 

[aryntha]

ColdWelder, my first build (and one I still like a lot) is an A140 diode running at 300mW in an Aurora host. From before we knew they could be pushed. It's still pretty bright! And burns stuff still, too. And it'll probably last forever.

 

[ElektroFreak]

Honestly the lower you drive those A140 diodes, the closer to single-mode they become, and the better the beam properties get. They'll never be quite as good as a true single-mode diode, but they do come pretty close.

 

[qumefox]

My favorite 445 also did around 300mW on high. It was in a little trustfire ef23 host. Unfortunately I had to sell it, but I plan to make another when i'm financially able.

Don't think I have a pic of that particular laser, but here's a 660 and a 405 in the same host.

Honestly the lower you drive those A140 diodes, the closer to single-mode they become, and the better the beam properties get. They'll never be quite as good as a true single-mode diode, but they do come pretty close.

Hmm. Mine always put out a line no matter what power. heh.

 

[aryntha]

Heh, my LG Polaris 150mW 445 is the most over-built, under-driven 445 i've ever seen. Bigger than a baby's arm, corrective optics, and still very striking output. Funny thing is it's one of my favorite lasers.