[Laser] Laser diode characteristics.

[n9jim]

David
There usually is a max rating on the datasheet, but it is usually power 
based.

Why not build a crude power meter?

Take one of your detectors and a pull up bias resistor, (or a solar cell 
without) and connect to a volt meter. Then use some known (or relatively 
known) laser to set a reference.
Then see what happens as you adjust the bias of the diode under test.

 From my experience they blow very easily beyond "5mW".  The current 
grows suddenly.  The best way to play with biasing is a true current 
source as opposed to a V source and resistor. Not sure what you are running.

Jim


G0MRF@aol.com wrote:

> A small update......
> 
> The current at which the lasing threshold occurs does indeed increase with 
> increasing temperature of the laser diode.
> 
> I watched the light output diminish as the device warmed up. Then applied a 
> quick squirt of aerosol freezer. Hey presto......Instant increase in output 
> power.
> 
> Conclusion:   More heatsinking required.
> 
> So now it's a question of how much higher than the threshold can I safely go?
> I looked at the data on the internal photodiode and it says:
>  Min 50uA / mW
>  Max 500uA / mW
> 
> So, not much use there..................
> 
> 73
> 
> David
> 
> 
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