Is this problem fixable - if so how?

[Schrecken_Licht]

I figure most here have seen my post about bad collimation and mode issues in blue lasers (well, apparently it's just MY blue laser at this point), and I'm wondering if and what I could do to try to improve things.

I had mentioned something about this a while back on LC (it's a long, frustrating story about how I got this laser and why I wasn't really able to do a whole lot about this issue when I got it, so I'll skip that part but suffice to say it's well out of any warranty so that isn't an option) and someone on there who had one of these units (same manufacture but lower power) told me I could try to get the lens loose to attempt to adjust the collimation. Well, at the time I was afraid to try it because I just got the laser and I feared making it worse.

But, at this point I feel I'm game to try something at least to get a better beam. I had also considered trying to add some additional optics (even a lens I could set in fro
nt of the laser) to try and sharpen the beam, but I can't seem to find the type (or even know what type) of lens to try and sharpen the beam.

What should I do? Here are pics of the laser with the cover removed.

 

[MarioMaster]

i take it you've tried turning the focus plate? other than that i dunno that you can really fix it

 

[rog8811]

Once you get to the cover off stage we are talking play time, as MM says try turning the lens to adjust the focal distance from the source. If you put a bit of paper in front of the module and move it in and out how much does the beam size vary?

Regards rog8811

 

[Schrecken_Licht]

I did try turning the lens holder tonight, the beam did get a little tighter but still I can see the multi-mode a little - now the beam looks more oval like a red diode laser. It's better than it was, though it's tough to do because the dot has to be at least 15 feet away and it's hard to see.

I just wish I could get it to light a match unaided....though when focused it does burn pretty well.

 

[BlueFusion]

If it's mode hopping the issue can be circumvented by turning down the drive current, however there are better options.
I'd just opt for adding another lens directly in front of the existing one. The lens out of an aixiz will do.

 

[dar303]

Excuse me, is that thing wrapped in electrical tape...from the factory?!? pretty low-budget!
I hope you get it adjusted and working as it should!