Can you use a 1-2w flashlight to power a 1-2w laser?

[Newb]

Can you power a 1-2w 445nm laser with a 1 or 2 watt flashlight?

 

[oxPREDAT0Rxo]

It might be possible, but you will need to measure the current that the driver outputs when there is an equal load on it (test load equal to the 445nm diode). If the driver is outputting adequate current then I am sure you can run a 445nm diode. I would probably be more inclined to say that a red diode would have a better chance, but I wouldn’t be positive without first testing the current.

Edit: Sorry I forgot to mention, but I believe voltage plays a part in this as well as both diodes, 445nm and ~560nm have different voltage requirements. Not 100% sure on that tho.

 

[justinjja]

Flashlights are rated in input power, lasers are rated by output power.

You would need like a 5-10W flashlight driver to power a 1-2W laser,

And it is hit or miss depending on the laser diode and flashlight you use.

 

[Newb]

Are you sure about this? And feel free to post any forums on this topic/flashlights to use thanks!

 

[justinjja]

An example of a 1W Blue laser
4V and 1.25A = 5 watts

An example of a 5W led:
3.3V and 1.5A or 5 watts

 

[Newb]

Would this be a good host for a 1w blue laser then? Amazon.com: brand new 300 Lumens CREE Led 5w 5 Watt Flashlight A15 Torch Lamp: Home Improvement

 

[justinjja]

Would this be a good host for a 1w blue laser then? Amazon.com: brand new 300 Lumens CREE Led 5w 5 Watt Flashlight A15 Torch Lamp: Home Improvement

Hard to say, I would guess that it would not work.
Your best be is a 5w driver that runs on 2 lithium cells.
But the only way to know is to try it or find one that someone else has tried

 

[DTR]

I would suggest along with testing the driver on a test load to make sure it will give the right current with the proper load to scope the driver for spikes. LED's are much tougher than diodes so the drivers don't have to worry about having as clean an output.