Do diodes mode hop? Or just DPSS?

[desslok]

I was curious, do diodes mode hop, or is it just DPSS lasers that do this? Or all lasers? Couldn't seem to find a clear answer.

 

[Chad]

It's just DPSS lasers... but I can't seem to remember why. :-[ Somebody else can explain it.

 

[Things]

Yep just DPSS lasers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transverse_mode has some info on the modes, but basically its defects in the crystals, which lead to them changing with temperature.

 

[likewhat]

You are talking about transverse modes, which is what the spot looks like. Diodes jump longitudinal modes all the time, you wont notice it though unless you have a very accurate way of monitoring the power or frequency.

 

[wooooooolazer]

Yet another reason they need to make green diodes, no worry about getting a mode-hopping laser.

...lazer... ;D ;D ;D