Grix
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- Joined
- Dec 9, 2008
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I was the one who first brought up the power issues with the 12mm green modules.
Although the crystal sets are capable of handling more power (KTP has a much higher damage threshold) under the proper conditions (TEC stabilisation, proper heatsinking), these conditions are not present in the 12mm modules.
Damage to crystals in these modules is often caused by thermal stress as the tiny crystal set struggles to cope with the sudden expansion caused by the heat. There is not enough mass for the heat to be transferred from the crystals and into the surroundings.
There have also been several repeated cases of "sudden DPSS death" involving these high-powered 12mm modules. Upon closer examination all were caused by crystal set damage.
This is why in the larger 30mm modules sold by O-Like and used by JETLASERS have larger crystals, and independant YVO4 and KTP crystals. These modules also have independant optics to reduce the impact of thermal stress.
The larger modules are also pumped using C-Mount diodes which are screwed to the base of the module.
There's no way one of these larger modules will fit in that host. Someone pointed these new hosts out on LaserChat, but I didn't bring them up here because there'd be no way they would put out 400mW after IR filtering.
Although it is O-Like, and they do have a proven record for delivering on-spec lasers, I will remain skeptical until we get some reviews along with long-term updates to ensure there is not rapid degradation.
I'll be making an info thread about green modules soon, too.
@Morgan, the diodes that are used for pumping are special open-can 5.6mm diodes. These are often 300mW but there are 500mW versions available.
"Normal" 5.6mm canned diodes go up to 1W, however, these are usually off-spec by up to 10nm, which renders the diode useless for DPSS pumping.
CNI uses B-Mount diodes which are attached in a similar fashion to C-Mounts.
O-like states 6 months warranty, and they are not the kind of company to screw you over on that..