How to get correct voltage

[ProGamer923]

Hi, I recently got an adjustable laser driver and laser diodes for Christmas. However, the lowest voltage I can get is 10vdc and the laser I am working with is 4.6 volts. I heard something about setting the current and the voltage is dependent on the draw, but I don't just want to plug it in. Let me know if you guys have an answer, thank you!

 

[paul1598419]

You can build a dummy load to test the driver before using it on a laser diode. These are silicon recifiers in series with shunts to change the number of them in the series. A driver should keep the current constant by allowing the voltage to change.

 

[ProGamer923]

You can build a dummy load to test the driver before using it on a laser diode. These are silicon recifiers in series with shunts to change the number of them in the series. A driver should keep the current constant by allowing the voltage to change.

Do you know how to let the voltage change freely or does the driver do that on its own.

 

[paul1598419]

Do you know how to let the voltage change freely or does the driver do that on its own.

The driver should do that on its own. This is also a good reason to build a dummy load as you can test these drivers before you use them.

 

[RedCowboy]

Hi, I recently got an adjustable laser driver and laser diodes for Christmas. However, the lowest voltage I can get is 10vdc and the laser I am working with is 4.6 volts. I heard something about setting the current and the voltage is dependent on the draw, but I don't just want to plug it in. Let me know if you guys have an answer, thank you!

Your driver should have a range, an example of a buck driver is : input 6V - 12V and output 3V - 7V @ 0.1 - 5A
This means your driver needs 6 to 12 volts input such as 2 or 3 Li cells and will supply 3 to 7 volts output at 0.1 to 5 amps.

So you set the current limit ( amps ) and what ever voltage the laser diode needs will flow at the set current limit as long as it's between specs of your driver and your batteries are charged enough to supply the power needed.
Note there are usually bucking, boosting and SEPIC drivers available for laser diodes as well as linear options.