[Laser] pointers life XE2AT

[Jim Moss]

Most laser pointers running on batteries are either 3 volts. The batteries
generally last a few hours. But you will find the wavelength and power will
vary with temperature and voltage.  I don't think you should find much problem
with power dropping significantly in a few minutes.  You could use a bigger
voltage and a voltage regulator to exclude battery voltage as an issue.

The laser diode itself isn't really a voltage controlled device. It is actually
current controlled.  That is why there are generally driver circuits.  Some of
the cheaper pointers do not use drivers, but rather just use a current limiting
resistor. There are dangers of damaging the laser device with instantaneous
over current.

With proper driving, laser diodes should work for 1000's of hours.

Jim

--- Alvaro de Leon Romo <xe2at at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Another question is if the pointer need 4.5 volts to operate what happen if 
> I use less power ?
>   How many hours is the life of the pointers ?
>   The pointers are less effective or bright after 5 minutes continue 
> operation ? ( to found each other at long path )
>    The pointer produce hot or we need some break time to permit the pointer 
> cool ?
>    I see after a long ON time the pointer is less bright and after 5 minutes 
> its bright is normal again, I am using 3 volts..
> Al
> Thanks in advance
> Ps my pointers is chain type
> 
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