ESD - how sensitive LDs are?

[Wytry]

Hi! I'm starting my first "real" build. I just got the 445 diode and I'm scared about esd. How sensitive they really are? Have you ever seen any LD hurt by esd? I am going to handle it with grounded esd wristband and keep it in esd bag when not used. Is it enough?

 

[Blord]

It is not uncommon that LD are killed by ESD.
Laser diodes are electronic devices. You should tread them like any other electronic stuff.
Take the precautions and it will be fine.

Laser diodes are also killed by overheating from soldering irons. You should watch out for that too.

 

[Sigurthr]

I don't go so far as to use an ESD protection mat, but I do use a grounded wrist strap, ground my helping hands, and work on a grounded metal surface. I also ground my soldering iron and heatsink.

 

[Wolfman29]

So, counter to what everyone has said (for this reason, take my experience with a grain of salt) but I have literally electrostatically shocked a diode before (well, the heatsink it was placed in, but either way) and it still lased fine. Further, I never use a grounded soldering iron or ground myself... and I have never killed a diode electrostatically. But again - take that with a grain of salt.

 

[Ghostchrome]

Yeah, I don't do anything special either. Sometimes a touch the pipe on the sink.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

I just touch the metal desk or the computer case or something. Remember that the ESD is a function of the voltage potential, so the electrical charge may very well just flow around whatever is vital, especially if the diode is floating with respect to the case.

 

[Meatball]

^^These things are true. On a note particular to the 1W 445 diodes, they have proven to be very hardy compared to Red/IR diodes. Even more so than the 405s which are made of the same materials.

I have yet to accidentally kill a 445 via electrical abuse.

 

[LaserAdct]

So, counter to what everyone has said (for this reason, take my experience with a grain of salt) but I have literally electrostatically shocked a diode before (well, the heatsink it was placed in, but either way) and it still lased fine. Further, I never use a grounded soldering iron or ground myself... and I have never killed a diode electrostatically. But again - take that with a grain of salt.

I have never grounded myself, my tools or anything related to my workplace, and have never killed a diode. It may be pure luck that I havent, and as such this is no guarantee that it wont happen eventually Crossing that bridge when I get to it. I have killed several diodes in various other ways, but never from ESD. However considering the price of some diodes caution is recommended and they should be handled with care. If you want to be sure you wont kill it , use a wriststrap to ground yourself, they dont cost very much.

best regards