Lowering laser power.

[cantthinkofone]

I still can't figure out a good way to lower the power of a laser diode. For example how would one lower the power of a pl450 diode? I thought you could do it with pulses but not sure for 100 percent. I was looking at getting. Pl450 down to 5mw but can't find a good solution. I know I asked this already but I can't find anything.

 

[jeffreythe00]

A neutral density filter works. Its what WL used on their training lenses.

 

[tmackbb4]

My 3.4w has a 4mode driver. 100% 50% 5% strobe. 50 & 5% is pulsed.

 

[Blaster]

Honestly buy a lower powered diode ...to much hassle.

 

[tmackbb4]

Can you just drive it at lower current?

 

[cantthinkofone]

Blaster that's a bit of a no duh answer... The pl450 only comes in 125mw and 1w versions. I was wondering if pulsing the 125mw could produce a lower power. I'll check into those filters thanks.

 

[Blaster]

OSRAM 450nm 50-80mw Blue Laser Diodes/Single Mode/PL-450 run it on less voltage, you will get 25mW...out of it at 35:dollars on eBay ie buy a different version of same diode ...theres not only two versions of a PL -450 diode as far as getting down to 5mW suppose its how low will it operate at lower voltage, there's a thread if you use the search on the forum.and you did say as an example a pl450 diode not it must be that diode.Two of the lasers in my signature use the 1 watt version of the Pl 450 diode .