If you need that big a temperature range then you'll either need an APC dri= ver using photodiode or else put yourself in a higher regulatory class than= you otherwise could fit in. I've done clever things with temperature compe= nsation, not using a photodiode, but only because of the situation, not out= of choice. It's much easier with a photodiode. Laser diodes in TO-56 cases with photodiode can be had for under a dollar. = You'll need a lens. Cheerful regards, Bob ________________________________________ From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu on behalf of David = Van Horn=20 Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 4:23 PM To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Subject: RE: [EE] Laser diode sources Lifetime, at least hundreds of hours power on. Temperature, -20 to 40C No monitor needed. Visible red, no particular wavelength though shorter is better. -----Original Message----- From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu On Behalf Of Bob Bl= ick Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 5:05 PM To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Subject: Re: [EE] Laser diode sources Hi David, What sort of lifetime, what temperature range, and do you need it to have a= monitor photodiode? Friendly regards, Bob ________________________________________ From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu on behalf of David = Van Horn Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 8:52 AM To: piclist@mit.edu Subject: [EE] Laser diode sources I just looked on Digikey for Laser diodes, and the least expensive I could = find, was about $5 in Q 50,000! Where can I source small, very inexpensive visible laser diodes? 1 to 5 mW= would be fine. No other particular requirements. I might even go as far as bare chips for a COB design. --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .