[Laser] Re: How much power

[Tim Toast]

Hi all
Here's some info and application notes/data sheet for the
MAX9484 a Multimode CD-RW/DVD Laser-Diode Driver. Maybe it
is typical of 4x DVD-RW drives like the one you described:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/4294
and
http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/2947

oddly, i didn't see any mention of the diode power level
that it drives, only the max drive current it provides -
350 ma per channel and as high as 400ma total depending on
the type of dvd disk. The website talks about the
temperatures the laser produces in the disk as it writes,
erases, bias etc..
temperatures:
Write:500-700°C Erase:200°C Bias 1°C?
ld currents:
Write:350-400ma. Read:270ma. Bias:5 - 15 ma.


And here's another page with info where someone is
experimenting with a DVD writer laser diode:
http://www.felesmagus.com/pages/lasers-howto.html

they claim a 200-225 mw laser output power at 350ma.
current, and that you can easily feel the heat on your skin
from an Un-focused 1/8th inch diameter 200mw beam. 

i can see now why the disks seem warm when they come out of
a burner.. They literally "cook" in there 8)


> -----Original Message-----
> From: laser-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:laser-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Chuck
> Hast
> Sent: 06 June 2007 06:22
> To: Free Space LASER Communications
> Subject: [Laser] How much power
> 
> I have 650nm ld that came out of a i/o magic DVDRW drive.
> The diode is
> good, yea, it is very good. It will burn plastic at 90ma.
> But do not
> want to
> push it anymore than that.
> 
> Wonder if any of you have a idea as to what the power
> output is and how
> much mills can be pushed through it?
> 



Tim Toast
http://www.aladal.net/toast/exp.html


      ___________________________________________________________________________________
You snooze, you lose. Get messages ASAP with AutoCheck
in the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_html.html