How to turn laser power down?

[laserwinkel]

i have heard a few times that with high power projectors it is possible to turn the laser power down
from 2 to 1 watt or something.
how is this function called? since i am planning to buy a 2-3 Watt 532nm

and does it has any disadvantages ?

it is a diode laser, not a gas

[djlightspin]

You want an Analog laser.
An analog laser works by applying anywhere from 0-5 volts through the signal line (higher voltage = higher power).

a TTY laser is either full on or full off (no control of power). Most higher powered lasers allow Analog, but still be sure to check.

If you want a laser that does both, Marc over at CT Lasers sells some really nice ones. I recently got my new 2.3 watt 532 and I LOVE IT! Analog modulation is awesome on it too :P

[Things]

a TTL laser is either full on or full off (no control of power). Most higher powered lasers allow Analog, but still be sure to check.

Transistor to Transistor Logic.

Just for completeness

[colouredmirrorball]

The only disadvantage of analog modulation is that it isn't linear, but if it is a green only that isn't a huge problem. Also, you have to live with the jellybeaning and other odds specific to DPSS lasers.

[VJ AIWAZ]

for a few bucks more you can have a current pot installed from the factory (with some mfg's)
my friend has 2 cni 2watts with that feature

[djlightspin]

Transistor to Transistor Logic.

Just for completeness

lol I work with cell phones all day which is why I was thinking about TTY.

Note to self- don't post on PL when its 2 AM and I just get home from a party

[laserwinkel]

sorry for confusion with analog modulation.. had to tell that i was not looking for that.
but the current pot is what i am looking for.

the lasers i am going to order are from CNI so i guess this will be a simple upgrade for a few bucks
thanks for help!

[carlos3621]

is it possible to insert a 10k pot, to the analog 5vdc , going from the DAC , to the laser, in order to manually dim the laser ? , if so, it would be easy for you to put one inline......
not sure though, maybe one of the more experienced builders can answer this one...