How do I know I much power my diode can take?

[NadavCo]

Hello,

I'm trying to build a DIY laser out of a x22 DVD burner.
I got out this diode from SANYO:

Sanyo SF-DS18T Laser Diode with heatsink from SFDS18T Optical Pickup Laser Lens

How can I tell how much power can this diode take?
I'm a student and using a lab power supply,
therefore I can easily set Voltage and Current.

Thanks,
Nadav

 

[Bionic-Badger]

If it's an unknown diode, you won't know. You usually just rely on the specs of other similar diodes (like other red laser diodes). Some people just keep increasing the current until there's a "knee" in the mW/mA curve (i.e. where it ceases to be a linear relationship) and then back it off to a amperage level slightly below that.

 

[NadavCo]

Ok, so....
Can you tell me what's the spec of similar red diodes?
How much voltage can I apply on it?
To what value of Current should I limit the power source?

Sorry for my ignorance, I'm new to this stuff.
Thanks!

 

[Fiddy]

we dont know what similar is without knowing anything about your diode but, common red diodes dont like to go above 3VDC and increase the mA slowly as Bionic-Badger said.

If i were you id just buy a $8 common red diode like a LPC-826 and be done with this thread.