Hello,

> case for a laser, though the laser module seems to have degraded.  I
> [OT] wonder what experience others have had with longevity of these
> lasers?

I have purchased a laser pointer almost 2 years ago and it has degraded to
the point where it only lases when cooled with electronics freeze (-50
deg. C). I estimate that the optical power has decreased about 4-fold or
more. Also, there are distinct dark spots in the ray (image obtained using
a good lens and a piece of paper at 2" as screen). They were not there
when it was new. The module's parameters were about 50mA @3V when new,
output rated at >=4mW. No, I did not 'force' it ;(

Peter