SF-AW210 LOC diode... is 280mA-300mA a safe current?

[LazyBeam]

The LOC in the SF-AW210...

What is a safe operating current? 280-300mA?
What kind of mW output would 280mA-300mA give on a LOC from an SF-AW210?

One way or another, a laser is getting built tonight. It's a gift for my brother for christmas and I don't have time to buy another 405nm diode and get it here in less than 2 days.

 

[goninanbl00d]

Accidents happen, and they're a learning experience. Worst I've done is 5 diodes dead (LED'd, crushed or blown apart) in an hour.

First thing you can try is re-soldering the diode to the wire, and seeing if it works. It might not be much, but it's worth a try.

Secondly, is the diode a short-die or long-die open can?

Does it look like this:

or

The short-die diodes shouldn't be pushed over 200mA (for 120-150mW out after an AixiZ acrylic lens), while the long die diodes can be taken up to 350mA safely (for around 200mW out after an AixiZ acrylic).

 

[LazyBeam]

No, the LOC diode is not broke - I still have yet to extract it.
Hopefully it's a LOC.. I'll get a better look when I get the diode extracted.

SO the only difference between an LOC and SOC is the length of the laser die?
The LOC die exends the full length of the can?

 

[goninanbl00d]

Yes, you'd be correct on that assumption.

The LOC's die extends the full length of the pedestal, while the SOC has a much shorter die.

Try to push a short-die as hard as a long-die, and it dies. (no pun intended).

The current values I've recommended are extremely conservative, but seeing as it's a gift, I wouldn't take any chances.

 

[rev0]

The SF-AW210 definitely has a SOC diode. Here's a picture of the two I got out of my sleds: (click to enlarge)


I run mine at around 200mA, here's some PIV plots if you'd like more info:

http://i53.tinypic.com/16lk969.jpg