NexusDNA - 13-2-2015 at 18:39
Hey! Anyone has experience with lasers and drivers?
I'm thinking of buying a 2,5W diode (445nm, 2,2A@4,7V) to put in my old NES zapper. I'm not very knowledgeable in electronics, but I know the basics.
The idea is to use a momentary switch to throw in a lot more current than you should, say 10A, so the zapper can "zap". Though, I'm unsure if this
will destroy my diode. Can the higher current kill it by means of chemical/structural transformation or the danger is really just the heat?
Thanks! 
Zombie - 13-2-2015 at 19:54
Before getting into all the mechanics of the diodes, and driver circuits, the NES "zapper" is not a laser or any other sort of light emitting device.
It is actually a very simple photo cell that detects light patterns from the TV image.
You could always gut it, and use the shell to adapt a laser pen to.
Now adding more current to any given diode than it is rated for is a death blow to the diode. Lasers run on the ragged edge of self destruction as
part of their design.
The best option is match a driver / pump, match specifications, and build it all into the gutted "zapper"
NexusDNA - 13-2-2015 at 21:02
Yes, I would "gut" the zapper and insert my circuit inside, because it looks awesome. I already have a 250mW diode with a driver I made, but the
output isn't really overwhelming, and I'm not dumb enough to put such high currents through the tiny animal.
It really can't be done? Isn't it the heat that kills the diode? The input could be controlled by a simple relay-capacitor circuit to give a single
pulse of "x" watts, which would prevent overheating.
Sulaiman - 13-2-2015 at 21:38
Laser diodes die in microseconds if over-current is applied
i am sure of this 
For more info than you could need http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm
Zombie - 13-2-2015 at 22:54
Just gut any old dvd player or cd/dvd burner for a better set up.
http://danyk.cz/laser3_en.html
There are a lot of utube vids on pulling them out. Like Sulaiman said... Power increase won't work. It all has to match.
nezza - 14-2-2015 at 01:15
The 445nm Laser diodes (Usually from Digital projectors) can be used to generate a watt or so of Laser power. Several things to note.
1. 1 Watt of blue laser light is incredibly dangerous and specular reflections WILL damage your eyes. Use eye protection.
2. Overcurrent will destroy the laser instantly.
3. The Diode must have an effective heatsink to work at amything like this power.
4. The supply voltage and current must be well regulated and spike proof (See point 2)
5. The laser beam is elliptical and may need anamorphic or cylindrical lenses to correct this if you want a circular beam.
NexusDNA - 14-2-2015 at 08:12
Oh, what a pity... Thanks for the help guys! (my condolences on the loss of your friend, Sulaiman)
Yep, I'm familiar with the LM317 regulator/lots of capacitors drivers. I guess I'll have to stick to the black balloons
btw the click from the relay is really lame, it's awesome! you should try.