Standard

Laser Module Kit

Issue Date: 4-2014

The standard laser module kit uses a 3.8mm 200mW Mitsubishi laser diode in a
12mm module case that also houses the laser driver. The driver has adjustable
output current and can either be operated continuously or optionally TTL modulation
can be used to switch the output e.g. for PWM power control.

COMPONENT PHOTOGRAPHS

Fitting the Driver Board

Caution! The laser diode is sensitive to static until it is connected to the driver board.
The laser diode is supplied pre-inserted in the front part of the diode case:

Use the diagram above to identify the laser diode pins. Cut off the Not Used pin.

Bend the LD- pin slightly apart from the LD+ pin so the driver board can sit between them.

Place the driver board between the LD+ pin and LD- pins, bend and trim the pins as required to align with the
appropriate solder pads on the driver board. Make sure the driver board is centered so the edges do not
extend past the outside of the module case otherwise the rear cover will not screw on.

It is easiest to solder the diode to the board if the diode pins and driver board pads are coated with a little
solder (tinned) before the board is put in position for soldering.

Use some Blu-Tac or similar to hold the board in position while you solder the tinned diode leads to the driver
board pads.

Standard Laser Module Kit

Issue Date: 4-2014

Wire Connections

The driver board has optional TTL control. For continuous use the TTL + (ENABLE) is connected to the Power + so
the laser is on all the time the board is powered up. The MicroSlice uses Pin 12 on the Arduino controller to switch the
TTL signal to the driver.

A black wire (power ve) should be soldered to the Power - pad on the driver board.

A red wire (power ve) should be soldered to the Power + pad on the driver board.

A white wire (TTL) should be soldered to the TTL + (Enable) pad on the driver board.

Setting The Laser Driver Current (Laser Power)

Laser diodes need to be driven at a constant current that is controlled by the driver board. The driver board is supplied
with the current adjuster potentiometer set to give an output of approximately 170-180mA giving a laser output of
around 120mW. The maximum driver output is approximately 350mA.
The driver output current is increased by turning the adjuster (with a fine screwdriver or trimmer tool) clockwise.
The laser diode current can be monitored using a multimeter to check the input current from the power supply to the
driver board. The driver uses ~30mA so the output to the laser diode is ~ 30 mA less than the measured input
current.
The 3.8mm Mitsubishi laser diode is rated at 200mW continuous output (expected lifetime > 2000hrs) which requires
~250mA driver output (280mA driver board input measured with a multimeter).
In our tests the laser diode will not burn out over short periods at the maximum driver output but its lifetime will be
considerably reduced. We have reproduced our test data for this diode below.

Laser Safety
All laser devices produce beams of intense
monochromatic light that can present potential
biological hazards. Laser safety eyewear is
required if there is a possibility of direct exposure
or specular reflectance from a Class 3B Laser.

Lens Adjustment
The focusing lens is held in position by a tension spring. It is sometimes useful to wrap a couple of turns of plumbers
PTFE thread-seal tape around the lens before screwing it in. This ensures the lens is held tightly in position.