Laser weaker than expected

[celas]

Hello, I just made a laser out of lg dvd burner.
Diode is standard mitsubishi LOC, but there is a problem - when I powered it up in sled (this concentrates beam to very fine spot at close distance), I couldnt even light a match (achieved peak output on 390mA 2.8V on my PSU). At this power, it should burn but it didnt. After removing the diode and placing it in collimator, it's still weak - looks like 30-40mW max not 200, last red diode I used had clearly visible beam from side without any fog, this one is completely invisible from side, still doesnt burn. Maybe the problem is that this diode is still placed in stock heatsink (with cooling fan attached so it doesnt overheat) with AR glass in front of it? Gonna post photos of dot later.

 

[marcuspeh]

Try light up a black coloured matchsticks.
BTW, it might not be 30-40mw. Read this

 

[alessnilsen]

There's a chance that you killed the LD. A LPC-815 LOC at 390mA is very powerfull, something about 200 ~ 250mW. I made some lasers with it.

Try to melt electric tape with it, this shouldn't be a problem for your laser. Be sure that it isn't overheating, LD's are very sensitive.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Yeah, probably burned it out. Next time put it in a proper heatsink before powering it up.