Square shaped aberration in new blue laser diode. Should I ask for a replacement?

[PatrickJS]

This is a picture I took of the light from the laser shining on a door, with a pencil blocking the actual beam so that the light from the aberration would show up better. (The pencil started smoking while I was trying to take this picture.)

Have tried cleaning the optics with a lint-free microfiber cloth meant for camera lenses, and with isopropal alcohol and q-tips. No effect. Should I try to get a replacement, or is this normal? Is there an easy way to fix it myself?

This is a PLT5 450B, 450nm laser diode with G-2 Glass Lenses. I got it as part of an RGV bundle from DTR's Laser Shop.

 

[Sta]

This is completely normal, caused by reflection within the diode.
It will always happen with multimode diodes and G2 lenses.
If you use a 3-element or G7 lens, you will eliminate this splash.

 

[NightExplorer96]

This is completely normal, caused by reflection within the diode.
It will always happen with multimode diodes and G2 lenses.
If you use a 3-element or G7 lens, you will eliminate this splash.

Sta, you're signature is becoming too darn long op:

-Alex

 

[Sta]

Sta, you're signature is becoming too darn long op:

-Alex

Haha yes, I've been thinking of cutting it down. Tried to put it into a just wavelengths form (like rhd) but that just ended up looking bad. Any ideas?

 

[diachi]

Haha yes, I've been thinking of cutting it down. Tried to put it into a just wavelengths form (like rhd) but that just ended up looking bad. Any ideas?

Ask CurtisOliver if he'll send you the fancy spreadsheet he used to make his.

 

[Sta]

Ask CurtisOliver if he'll send you the fancy spreadsheet he used to make his.

I actually wrote up a java program to do that more quickly (and used it in the past!) but haven't been able to locate it lately.

 

[steve001]

This is a picture I took of the light from the laser shining on a door, with a pencil blocking the actual beam so that the light from the aberration would show up better. (The pencil started smoking while I was trying to take this picture.)

Have tried cleaning the optics with a lint-free microfiber cloth meant for camera lenses, and with isopropal alcohol and q-tips. No effect. Should I try to get a replacement, or is this normal? Is there an easy way to fix it myself?

This is a PLT5 450B, 450nm laser diode with G-2 Glass Lenses. I got it as part of an RGV bundle from DTR's Laser Shop.

Betcha that's schmutz on the diode window. If you have a high power magnifying glass or a jewlers loupe take a look at the diode window. Schmutz on optics produces that same spotty pattern that's why I think it's schmutz. I also have a high power 405nm laser with the same problem. It has something on the window.

 

[CynicalBrad]

My 405 challenger has the square too with a -g7lens perfectly normal on these diodeseven my green pen build has it with a 3e lens however it is fainter.