Running reliably at 2W?

[GBD]

Hello.

I was wondering just how reliable are the A-140 diodes when they are pushed to around 2W?

or are the results of this inaccurate? depending really diode to diode?

I tried already pushing an A-140 to around 2W, it seems to survive the experience, but Ive not run it longer then 3-4 seconds, afraid to damage it, now the same diode is running around a watt, and no degradation.

reason I am asking this, is because im building a dual 445nM laser (2 separate beams), originally planning to run 1.2W-1.5W, I was wondering on the possibility of 2W per diode, but this will be pointless to do if they are not going to last long.

Thanks.

 

[weeba2kv]

I wouldn't go till 2 watt ( won't last long)

 

[cd520]

I have one running 2.1W for a couple weeks now with daily use. No degradation yet. I know DTR has built some at 2W and has not had any issues yet. Only time will tell in the end but it appears that the "end" is quite a ways off. Some diodes are more efficient than others and thats a fact.

 

[GBD]

Well, I think I personally wont risk it, I hear many people already run (and I think more common) at 1.2-1.5W, so I think Ill just stick to those powers rather then risk the diodes even more at 2W, I mostly wanted a little bit of confirmation from the forum before doing it myself.

Thanks everyone!

For argument's sake, if anyone here has their own experience or data to share, Id love to hear about it.

 

[RA_pierce]

In a set-up where precise alignment is concerned, it is best to set the lasers to a power level at which they are not likely to die. Replacing them would mean you have to reset the combining optics for the new diodes which could be a pain.

Set it conservatively and save yourself some hassle.

$0.02

 

[DTR]

There is simply not enough data to say for sure how long they will last @2W. What I have seen is very inspiring. The 2W Frankenstein build that I did had over an hour on it before it went to Reginak. She did meeter it the other day and told me that it was still putting out what it was in my original review which is very promising information. I am not sure how much time she has put on it since she has had it but she says she uses them a lot. I have not seen any degradation in my units running @1.8W either. These diodes are very tough but I am sure that running @ 2W you will get less life than running @1.5W but how much is still to be determined.

 

[reginak]

Well, I think I used it for over 3 hours now. I did meter it today after reading this topic and no degradation yet. So it has been over 4 hours at 2W.

Cheers.

 

[daguin]

We've had some blow as low as 1.8W.

When you start pushing the edge, you start finding the diode-to-diode variation.

Peace,
dave

 

[Toaster]

Is there any visible signs of degradation? Or is it strictly the output power.

 

[Leodahsan]

I don't know why reading "as low as 1.8W" made me laugh.
I think if using a good heatsink, a good sitted diode (with thermal grease) and a VERY stable driver, we can go as high the diode can.
sadly these are rated 500mW (at least the A140 - anyone tried the A150? ) and can go 4 times the normal output. Lets hope to get 1W rated diodes for 4W output

Just my 0.02 cents

We've had some blow as low as 1.8W.

When you start pushing the edge, you start finding the diode-to-diode variation.

Peace,
dave