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Any 1W laser diodes that I can run on 3.7V?

Mr.DerpTurtle8

New member
Joined
Feb 6, 2020
Messages
3
Points
3
Hey, i'm a new member, and don't know all that much about lasers.

I was just wondering if there are any good blue laser diodes that would run off of an 18650 3.7V battery that you guys may know of? this is my first laser pointer build, and I have been looking everywhere but cannot seem to find the right diode.

Thanks so much for this amazing website and for helping me out!!!
 





Philipnzw

Active member
Joined
May 19, 2019
Messages
122
Points
43
You can run almost any laser diode off a 18650 battery. The thing is, you need to get the proper driver for the diode.
Since laser diodes need a fixed amount of current, you will need a driver to supply constant current to it, otherwise the laser diode will just burn and die instantly, and all your money will be wasted.

Short answer: You need a boost driver to boost the voltage of a 18650 battery to the Vf of a blue laser diode.
Long answer: There are 3 main types of drivers you should know. Linear, boost and buck drivers.
You also need to know about the forward voltage of each type of laser diode.
Once you know about this 2 topics, everything will automatically make sense to you.

I remember spending weeks browsing LPF before i ever did my first build, because i didn't know anything about lasers.
Use the search bar to search about topics you don't understand. Some old posts are super helpful for us beginners.
Also, its customary for any new member to post a introduction post here on LPF, so yeah, head over there and tell us a little about yourself.
Good luck in your first build.
 

Mr.DerpTurtle8

New member
Joined
Feb 6, 2020
Messages
3
Points
3
You can run almost any laser diode off a 18650 battery. The thing is, you need to get the proper driver for the diode.
Since laser diodes need a fixed amount of current, you will need a driver to supply constant current to it, otherwise the laser diode will just burn and die instantly, and all your money will be wasted.

Short answer: You need a boost driver to boost the voltage of a 18650 battery to the Vf of a blue laser diode.
Long answer: There are 3 main types of drivers you should know. Linear, boost and buck drivers.
You also need to know about the forward voltage of each type of laser diode.
Once you know about this 2 topics, everything will automatically make sense to you.

I remember spending weeks browsing LPF before i ever did my first build, because i didn't know anything about lasers.
Use the search bar to search about topics you don't understand. Some old posts are super helpful for us beginners.
Also, its customary for any new member to post a introduction post here on LPF, so yeah, head over there and tell us a little about yourself.
Good luck in your first build.
Thank you!!!! i was thinking of using this diode, M140 445nm 2W Blue Laser Diode or any blue diode for that matter, but cant find a driver that gives off less than 5v, I can only find 5.5v drivers, would those work?
 
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
10,662
Points
113
Another suggestion-- in your 'intro' thread (in Welcome section), if you put your location in it's title you may get greets from members local to you. Its also good to put that in your profile too. Best and fastest way to learn easily is with 'hands-on' help ..also you will get invited to a LEM near you---these Laser Meets are awesome --search 'SELEM Laser' and check out the hundreds of hits.
 
Joined
Sep 20, 2013
Messages
17,252
Points
113
A boost driver will only apply the necessary forward voltage needed to keep the current the driver is set to run at steady. Just because a driver is capable of outputting 5.5 volts doesn't mean it will. That is just the limit it CAN supply. There are diodes that have a higher forward voltage.
 
Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Messages
546
Points
63
Thank you!!!! i was thinking of using this diode, M140 445nm 2W Blue Laser Diode or any blue diode for that matter, but cant find a driver that gives off less than 5v, I can only find 5.5v drivers, would those work?
I can send free my driver To you. but cotship to you too high :)
 
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
6,775
Points
113
Hi,
If you want a boost driver for the M140, DTR has a driver that can be set to 1.5A max. ACS1500SE if im correct
Rich:)
 

adalah

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2019
Messages
20
Points
3
You can run almost any laser diode off a 18650 battery. The thing is, you need to get the proper driver for the diode.
Since laser diodes need a fixed amount of current, you will need a driver to supply constant current to it, otherwise the laser diode will just burn and die instantly, and all your money will be wasted.

Short answer: You need a boost driver to boost the voltage of a 18650 battery to the Vf of a blue laser diode.
Long answer: There are 3 main types of drivers you should know. Linear, boost and buck drivers.
You also need to know about the forward voltage of each type of laser diode.
Once you know about this 2 topics, everything will automatically make sense to you.

I remember spending weeks browsing LPF before i ever did my first build, because i didn't know anything about lasers.
Use the search bar to search about topics you don't understand. Some old posts are super helpful for us beginners.
Also, its customary for any new member to post a introduction post here on LPF, so yeah, head over there and tell us a little about yourself.
Good luck in your first build.
Nice
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Joined
Jan 2, 2008
Messages
1,513
Points
83
You are also not stuck on a 18650, they are common but if you really want you can fit two 18350 or 16340 in almost the same space to get the higher voltage, if that helps at all. Works in most portables (65 mm vs 70 or 68mm)
Last three digets are the length - ie: 650 is 65 mm etc
 




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