Normal for a 445 diode?

[udanis]

Hey guys, I was messing around with my 445 pen and took the collimating lens off to check that the lens on the diode was free of dust and noticed that the beam has 3 or 5 individual lines in it. Ususally people describe this a rectangle but mine has 3 lines and some splash. I am driving this xj-130 diode at 300mA. Is this normal at this current?

Photos from I-Phone 4: The first two are the same photo but for the second the hdr magic was used.

 

[Prototype]

Yes, that's perfectly normal.


Edit: When they say it's a rectangle they still have the lens in place, so the bars are more together.

 

[Elektrotechniker]

Yup, a bit odd bit that's how these diodes are I must admit that this unusual line effect is adorable

 

[udanis]

Alright thanks guys!

 

[Bluefan]

This pattern also changes with the current, a higher current sort of fills the beam more.

 

[RA_pierce]

This pattern also changes with the current, a higher current sort of fills the beam more.

Yes.
The more current you push into it, the more modes appear.
Near threshold, the diode will output one long, thin, elliptical "stripe."

 

[DTR]

I do love looking at the raw output while turning my bench supply current up and down.