Laser Pointer Teardown and Test Video

[rsduhamel]

I uploaded a new RSD Academy video yesterday. I need to know the best voltage range and current requirement for a laser module that I plan to use for a laser communicator project. I tore open (literally) a laser pointer and tested it. Turns out that it has a good linear response (voltage to light output) between 3.5 volts and 5 volts and requires 50 mA at 5 volts. Here's the link:

https://youtu.be/Pbrhays1m18

[JS]

Hey usually respond yo current, so your linearity is probably a series resistor with the laser, wich starts at 3.5V and the current raises linearly from there thanks to the resistor.

JS

[james_s]

Laser diodes have gotten really robust. I remember when visible red laser diodes were still quite new, they cost around $200 each at the time and there was a very narrow gap between when lasing would start and the point where catastrophic optical damage would occur. They required active control using a a built in photodiode to control the current. Times have changed.

[rsduhamel]

I remember those days too. Scared me away from messing with laser diodes. Maybe modern laser diodes have built-in protection.