5.5w 450nm blue laser very week

[paul1598419]

If it's a '44 then it never worked correctly. The OP states the laser would "burn slightly" when new. A '44 running 5+ watts will do more than 'slightly' burn wood. :lasergun:

In looking over the laser and driver again, it is more likely a cheaper 445nm like an M140. In several of the photos of the beam it looks more like a MM diode than a SM. I still believe it is a 445nm, but likely a less powerful one than the NUBM44. The driver doesn't look like one that could drive that high a power diode. At $130.00 it is too cheap to be one as well. It could very well have been a 1.5 watt laser to begin with. A look at the diode would answer most questions immediately.

The OP said the driver was pulling 0.6 amps at 5 VDC. That's 3 watts in. That makes me think it is a MM 445nm too.

 

[khomouda]

op:

I suspect OP has destroyed his LD and needs to replace it. It is most likely a NUBM44, which is a pretty cheap diode. See Ricker's site. Since you have now messed with the driver, it may need replacement also. Photos of the driver and diode would be helpful.

Edit: I see the drive on Ali Express. I am fairly sure you can find and order the driver there.

these are the photos I could take through removing the fan and the lens, the ray and reflections appear very blue, I bought a new driver board and it is giving the same effect and current as the old one after replacing the opamp. what I was thinking is about may be the driver gives less current than the LD can use.
the LD is burning but very faint, not like the others which I saw in youtube as reviews of the same LD

 

[GSS]

As this diode looks like it's missing the window or decanned, it opens up some more possible issue's?

 

[paul1598419]

It looks like a 445nm or 450nm laser from the first photo. I can't see the diode well enough from the third photo to tell anything about its size. There are three possible sizes: 3.8mm, 5.6mm, and 9mm. If I could make out its size that would tell me more about which diode is in there. After looking more closely at the driver, and the fact that it pulls 3 watts of power, I'm certain it isn't a NUBM44. But, there are several other candidates.

 

[khomouda]

how do I get the size, the aluminium insert in front seems to be stuck hard to the heat sink.
it does not pull 3A, only 0.6A at 5v, but that can be from a week current out of the driver board

 

[diachi]

it does not pull 3A, only 0.6A at 5v, but that can be from a week current out of the driver board

How are you measuring the current and voltage? The 5V forward voltage at 0.6A is confusing. Even the lower power blue diodes (M140 etc) will be pulling far more than 600mA at a forward voltage of 5V.

 

[paul1598419]

I didn't say 3 amps. I said 3 watts. There's a big difference. If you could get a better focus on the center brass looking thing in the third picture, that is the diode. The diameter is the size I'm interested in getting. Its diameter will be a bit larger than what can be seen from the front, so if you can measure that, it would be helpful.

Edit: That's a good point, diachi. Even an M140 would pull more power. It doesn't look like a buck driver, so that low current is a puzzle.

 

[diachi]

Edit: That's a good point, diachi. Even an M140 would pull more power. It doesn't look like a boost driver, so that low current is a puzzle.

Even if it was as boost driver, you wouldn't see lower current on the output, and you'd see higher current on the input. Assuming you meant buck, which would explain that current if the input voltage was higher, which it isn't.

Definitely need to know how OP is measuring this...

 

[khomouda]

Even if it was as boost driver, you wouldn't see lower current on the output, and you'd see higher current on the input. Assuming you meant buck, which would explain that current if the input voltage was higher, which it isn't.

Definitely need to know how OP is measuring this...

I am inserting the DMM in the line between the output and the LD when on full 255 PWM and measuring current as usual putting DMM in current mode
I made a high magnification picture of the diode
Input of the driver board is 12v and output at LD is 5v and at fan is 12v

 

[paul1598419]

Yeah, I did mean buck, dang....got to watch that when I'm typing fast. But, it looks like a linear driver from what I can see. Very strange.

Edit: I can see now that it is a canless diode. It seems to be recessed as only the emitter is showing. Huh?

 

[khomouda]

Thanks all for your replies. so what are the recommendations? do I throw it away and buy another? like this?
https://www.amazon.com/NUBM44-450nm...qid=1516457890&sr=8-2&keywords=6w+laser+diode

is this driver good for it
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N35WLW3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A1NFWW2PTPQL0U&psc=1

 

[paul1598419]

It depends on if you want to spend that kind of money. The bare NUBM44 diodes can be had for as little as $35.00, the module for $7.00, an aspheric glass lens for <$10.00. Or, you can buy it altogether for $135.00. Don't know if it will work in your lab setup the way it's configured though.

 

[khomouda]

It depends on if you want to spend that kind of money. The bare NUBM44 diodes can be had for as little as $35.00, the module for $7.00, an aspheric glass lens for <$10.00. Or, you can buy it altogether for $135.00. Don't know if it will work in your lab setup the way it's configured though.

would you kindly lead me to site for selling them as such including the driver?

 

[paul1598419]

Sure. The NUBM44 diode can be had here:https://laserpointerforums.com/f39/mainely-lasers-sales-thread-100495.html Make an offer of $40.00 for the diode.

The lens is $7.98 for one here: www.ebay.com/itm/261445531997

A copper 9mm diode module here: https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/diode-modules/12mm-copper-modules

You already have a link to the driver you want.

 

[Encap]

Hi,
It would be nice to post in the welcome section first instead of coming in and asking for help. How about your global location and I little about your self. So others will be willing to help.

Rich

Exactly

 

[khomouda]

Sure. The NUBM44 diode can be had here:https://laserpointerforums.com/f39/mainely-lasers-sales-thread-100495.html Make an offer of $40.00 for the diode.

The lens is $7.98 for one here: www.ebay.com/itm/261445531997

A copper 9mm diode module here: https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/diode-modules/12mm-copper-modules

You already have a link to the driver you want.

Thanks a lot. I PMed him