Infrared Laser Pointer

[HaloBlu]

Laser diodes try to pull more current as they heat up which can kill the diode. I would presume low power diodes will be less forgiving then some of the burners on youtube that live (for awhile) without a driver. Unless you have an extra diode I wouldn't try it.
A simple driver is easy to build LM317 DDL constant current driver

 

[tuzvihar]

82 ohm should be okay, as 45mA is the typical current, and the max is 70mA, but definitely the driver is the way as told by HaloBlu above.

 

[Dusk]

I along with a friend connected the laser to the voltage source using the 82ohm resistor in series with a variable resistor, adjusting it from very low voltage across the diode to the typical 1.9 volts. We managed to get it to light without blowing it. However, as I suspected it doesn't give much in the way of a beam. After only a few centimeters the dot was already too large and unfocused.

With that, it presents problem number two. How to get a focused beam at about 3-4 meters. I hope to get a standard laser pointer and replace that diode with the IR laser, hoping that the lens will focus it as needed, however, I thought I'd ask for your opinions to how I should continue as well.

 

[nikooo777]

use a simple AIXIZ module, it wont cost you more than 5$ (you can find for less!)
if i find again the link of the one i bought i post it here
E: http://hightechdealz.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=40 that's it