single-mode reds: HL63133DG vs. ML520G54 vs. ???

[tribble]

I'm curious what the meaningful differences for graphics projector use are between the various single-mode red laser diodes out there are. As near as I can tell the two I've found are very similar, 170 vs 110mW and 17/19 degrees on the fast axis.

My application is graphics scanning. Beamshows are secondary and opportunistic... only when there's a foggy night. Power is not a primary consideration.

Does either of these clean up better than the other or require more complex optics? What are the best optics out there for single-mode reds?

Does either of these modulate better than the other?

Are there other/better single mode reds out there somewhere?

Thanks for the advice!

[MIIKKKLLLL]

Hello tribble,

What can I say about these diode?

-> They have nearly the same beam properties (with same collimating lens). The big advantage for the HL63133DG is its power density who are a bit higher than the 110mW diode, as for the same surface (mm²), you have a higher power.

-> For the HL63133DG, it is easy and not dangerous to push it at 200mW without harming the diode (nominal current = 250mA, and if you push it at 270mA +- you have 200mW). I saw this diode pushed at 320mA, with an amazing output of 240mW +- (on LPF) but I think this will short the diode lifetime.

-> About the lenses, it depends of what do you plan to make. For beam show, a 3-6mm focal length lens will fit the mirors size of scanners and you'll obtain a good divergence, like 0.65mrad for a "G2" lens.

-> About modulation... good question ! At these speeds (<100kHz), I believe there is no big difference.