445nm driver

[neutrino]

Just seen these on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VUEMETRIX-LASER-...item439f89955a

Do think they would be alright for driving either a single or a pair of 445nm diodes??
Has anyone used them before??
I can't wait until the end of July for the flexmods.

Cheers
Rich

[danielbriggs]

Not sure...
Only one way to find out

They looks like the drivers for the 5-10mW 488nm direct doubled lasers heads.
Unsure of the pump diode current. But can't imagine it being ~3A (assuming 2x 1.5A drive for each 445nm diode)
My old direct doubled Coherent OPSL 200mW 488nm needed 5A on the pump to do 200mW. These will drive heads <20mW.

Edit: You'd also probably need to have a TEC + some sort of photodiode feedback in there as well for the driver to correctly function, otherwise it may just pull the diode current higher and higher to its internal limit.

I think there are better and cheaper options out there.
But prove me wrong!

[neutrino]

Thanks for the input Dan.

I'd love to order one but its going to take a while to ship to me. If I could get it sooner I would give it ago. Maybe I'll just hold fire for the flexmods.

I do have enough components with me to build a stanham. However, after the issues Things had I may pass on it unless I can find a photo of the driver on stripboard front and back.

Cheers
Rich

[danielbriggs]

How about Robin Bowden's Die4Drive?
http://www.die4laser.com/dvd-rec/Die4Drive.htm
I've used them for a pair of reds in the past, and they've been ace.

[neutrino]

I sent him a PM (UK-Laser) a while ago but never go a reply and I cant see anywhere on the website to order on line.

Cheers
Rich