Laser Diode Drivers

To properly power a laser diode without damaging it, it must be fed a constant current and voltage by the use of a laser diode driver. A laser diode driver regulates the voltage and current of a power source to safe levels for a laser diode.

Linear Style Laser Drivers

Linear style laser drivers require a higher input voltage then needed for powering the diode. They are simpler and often less expensive then boost style laser drivers, but they require a bigger power source.

Boost Style Laser Drivers

“Boost” style laser drivers require less voltage then a linear style driver to power a diode. The name “boost” comes from the fact that the driver boosts the input voltage of 3.7V to 4.2V to the higher voltage needed to power a diode.

Here is a boost style driver that is great for 445nm and 405nm laser diodes:

Laser Driver Power Sources

Lithium ion rechargeable batteries are a very popular way to power a laser diode driver. Their high voltage and current output while remaining in a compact package makes them very attractive.