- Joined
- Nov 22, 2008
- Messages
- 1,506
- Points
- 48
Basically, to avoid being damaged laser diodes need a constant, regulated amount of current flowing through them. This circuit that regulates the current is known as a driver. If you are looking to spend £20 or so, I doubt that you would be able to get a good-quality driver. Without this your laser runs the risk of dimming/brightening with heat changes, and having a very short life. In theory a resistor limiting the current and a capacitor to abssorb "surges" should be enough to protect a laser diode, but it is very far from a precise science, and heat will affect the output and current. In my opinion spending a little extra and buying/building a proper driver is well worth the extra cost.