[Laser] OVER 5 Mw Laser diode ...WARNING ....observations

John Schnurer [email protected]
Wed, 15 Jan 2003 21:27:58 -0500 (EST)


	Dear Group,

	ANY LD over 5 mWatts is VERY DANGEROUS.  If IR, this is real
trouble, if visible the blink and turn away does NOT protect you .... the
energy absorbed is already above permanent damage levels.

	AND:

	You MUST:

	A)	Use a LOT of heat sinking
	B)	Have VERY stiff current and voltage regulation
	a good rule of thumb is times 5 MINIMUM capability... in other
words... if the diode calls for 100 mA in any mode... your system should
be able to CONTROL 500 mA ... this is so the Diode does not drag the
supply around.
	C)	Be careful... no second chance at high optical output
levels.