Sparrow F.A.Q. - LIVE Lasersystems Development & Products

Laserdiodes have a much longer lifetime, higher power stability and better wavelength stability when being kept at a constant temperature.

Additionally there is a maximum allowable temperature that the laser diode can handle, you can find it in the data sheet for your specific Sparrow module (Raw Diode Operating Temperature).

The TEC in combination with a suitable driver e.g. ColorDRIVE one will ensure that the laser diode is kept at optimum temperature even at elevated ambient temperatures.

The TEC is even capable of keeping the laser diode at temperatures below ambient or heatsink temperature.

All Sparrow modules need a suitable heatsink.
Some low power modules like the 150mW 660nm module or the 85mW 450nm Module have a very low power dissipation that the casing is enough to keep the module cool.

However, all Sparrow modules with TEC need a suitable heatsink to keep the module and TEC cool. Use the „Heatsink Temperature Range“ in conjunction with the „Power Consumption“ stated in the data sheet to calculate the needed heatsink size. Contact LIVE Lasersystems for more information or help on choosing a suitable heatsink.

Depending on your base plate configuration, the base plate might be enough to keep the modules cool when bolted to an optical bread board.
Contact LIVE Lasersystems for more information.

Here is a guide that explains step by step on how to mount a Sparrow module properly, regardless if you have the optional TEC or not.

You ordered a Sparrow module with the optional driver.
This means we already set the ColorDRIVE one up to be a perfect match for your Sparrow module. No further adjustments are needed. To provide warranty, we will seal the potentiometers to ensure proper operation currents. A broken seal will void the warranty of the associated Sparrow module.

If you order a Sparrow module with a ColorDRIVE one, the ColorDRIVE will come pre adjusted. However all potentiometers that aren’t sealed with lacker are user adjustable without any sort of warranty loss.
You might adjust the set temperature to adjust the wavelength or threshold current to adapt the module to your system.
Changing the Imax i.e. the laser diode current, will void the warranty of the Sparrow module sold in conjunction with the driver. Changing that value could result in too much current and therefore a broken laser diode.
You will still get warranty on your ColorDRIVE one though.
Talk to us if you want to get a specific set current.

A single ColorDRIVE one can drive multiple diodes. However each diode needs to be wired in series.
This series configuration isn’t supported by the ColorDRIVE Back PCB. You would need to wire the modules in series with the help of the Solder Back PCB.
We recommend the use of one ColorDRIVE one per Sparrow module.

The ColorDRIVE one is capable of powering different modules, however each module needs a specific current that needs to be set by adjusting the ColorDRIVE potentiometers.
So using a ColorDRIVE that's not set up to power a specific module can result in broken modules.
Only use the ColorDRIVE with the same serial number as your Sparrow module to power said module or make sure to adjust the ColorDRIVE accordingly.

Yes, our ColorDRIVE offers analog modulation, connect a 0-5V signal to control the output power of the connected sparrow module. You can also use our Control BOX PCB to adjust the output power with the turn of a knob, no additional power supply needed.

Our ColorDRIVE one is capable of up to 1.2Mhz -3db modulation bandwidth, however certain diode combinations limit the maximum achievable frequency to lower values. Generally speaking, most diodes are capable of reaching >800kHz -3db with DPSS laser modules being only capable of much lower values, that depends on each individual module.

We always recommend our standard 24V power supplies. We offer a plug and play solution and closed/open case power supplies in our shop

However ColorDRIVE one can be powered by any voltage source between 6V an 28V.
Its topology includes a step-down converter. This means that the supply voltage has to be higher than the diode forward voltage of the connected diode at any time. Therefore „excess“ voltage isn't turned into heat.
This limits the lowest supply voltage which is needed to properly drive the sparrow module. To calculate the lowest supply voltage, multiply the diode current by 0.2, add 3.5V and the maximum forward voltage mentioned in the respective Sparrow data sheet.

For example:
Our green 525nm 1500mW Sparrow Module:
Diode current: 2.3A
Maximum forward voltage: 5.5V
So the formula would be: (2.3A * 0.2) + 3.5V + 5.5V = 9.46V
So 9.46V are needed as the minimum input voltage.
Keep also in mind that TEC cooled Sparrow modules need at least 10V to have full TEC cooling/heating power.

The optical correction is a cylindrical lens set that expands (i.e. increase the size) one axis of the laser beam.
It is often used to get a circular output beam because laser diodes often have highly elliptical beam profiles.
For high power multimode diodes, the optical correction is needed to get a somewhat equal, decreased divergence angle in both beam axis.

Singlemode diodes often don't need optical correction but they will still benefit from them with decreased beam divergence.

A collimating lens is needed to form a parallel beam. Without it, the raw beam out of the laser diode will spread so fast that the casing of the sparrow module will obstruct it.

Generally speaking, a longer focal lens will result in a bigger output beam diameter while producing a smaller divergence angle. We offer the pre-assambled sparrow modules with a collimating lens that fits our optical correction set. If you need different beam sizes, contact us.

Yes, contact us to get a lens set that fits your needs.

Yes! Just order a optical correction set from our single parts section.
The lenses are easy to adjust, just follow this guide.

Yes, we offer base plates, mirror holders, polarizing beam splitters and dichroic filters to combine the beam of up to three Sparrow modules.
You can find all different base plates here and optics there.

Yes, you can produce a focus spot that can be used for material processing, cutting (CNC) or laser pumping. Use an external lens or adjust the internal optics of the module by opening the lid of the Sparrow module and adjust the collimating lens and the optional optical correction to form a focus spot at your desired distance.

All modules are equipped with F=3mm collimators. The only exception are red multi-mode diodes which come with F=2mm collimators by default.

Yes! The 5W 450nm and the 300mW 405nm Sparrow module are suitable for cutting and engraving wood, paper, cardboard, particle board and other materials.
We recommend to order the module with an optical correction to form a near circular spot. You need to focus the beam by adjusting the collimating lens and the optical correction.
You can also add a comment while ordering and we will set the module up to form a focal spot at your desired distance.

You can order a fully assembled Sparrow module, but it's also possible to order all the components separately and assemble one yourself.
You at least need a Sparrow Chassis, Diode Sleeve (either 5.6mm or 9mm) for your diode size and a collimator (F=2mm or F=3mm). The Sparrow TEC, Back PCB, optical correction and cover are optional. However we highly recommend using a cover for dust protection and a Back PCB to protect the diode's pins from mechanical strain.

Yes, all Sparrow modules sold on our website come pre-assembled with the components you selected.
For example: If you order a „Sparrow 505nm 35mW“ with „no Add-ons“, you will get a Sparrow module with a Solder Back PCB and no driver, no TEC and no optical correction.
The module will include all the mounting hardware, the pre-collimated laser diode already assembled into a Sparrow chassis with a cover.

Here you find a whole section covering this topic.

Yes, the optical correction can be added at any time.

Yes! A ColorDRIVE one or any suitable third party constant current driver is needed to power the laser diode inside the Sparrow module. A TEC driver is needed to stabilize the temperature of the module.
Please note that we can only provide a warranty on the laser diode and TEC if the module is used with our pre-adjusted ColorDRIVE one driver.

For modules purchased with our ColorDRIVE driver, you need a power supply with sufficient power, a modulation voltage source and a suitable heat sink.
The modulation voltage source needs to be connected to the ColorBus modulation input on the ColorDrive. It needs to provide a variable 0-5V voltage to command the desired output power.

If you are looking for a simple way to control (i.e. a knob to regulate) your Sparrow module without any external modulations signal etc., get yourself the optional Control BOX PCB. It can be connected directly to the ColorDRIVE one and doesn't need any additional power supply.

If you order a Sparrow module with the driver option, you will get a pre-adjusted ColorDRIVE one perfectly fitted to the laser module.
ColorDRIVE ones are available in two versions: With and without integrated TEC driver.
Depending on your choice of getting the TEC option you will either get a ColorDRIVE one with integrated TEC driver, or - if ordered without TEC - you will get a ColorDRIVE one without the TEC driver part.
Notice: It is not possible to drive a later bought peltier element with a ColorDRIVE one that doesn't feature the TEC driver part.

We recommend using a 24V power supply. We offer a plug and play solution with a wall plug power supply (up to 60W) as well as open/closed case power supplies in our shop.
Nevertheless our ColorDRIVE one is capable of other voltages as well - if you want to use power supplies with lower DC voltage, please also read this question on how to calculate the minimum voltage required.

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and solder back PCB
- thermal grease
- 3x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and ColorDRIVE version back PCB
- ColorDRIVE one without TEC driver (calibrated for the corresponding module)
- thermal grease
- 5x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with connector on both sides (driver to module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with just one connector (modulation input, ColorBUS)
- 1x 30cm pre-crimped power supply cable

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and solder back PCB
- pre-soldered TEC
- thermal grease
- 3x M3x12 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers and additional thermal insulation washers

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and solder back PCB
- thermal grease
- pre-adjusted cylindrical lens pair
- 3x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and ColorDRIVE version back PCB
- ColorDRIVE one with TEC driver (calibrated for the corresponding module)
- pre-soldered TEC
- thermal grease
- 2x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers (for driver)
- 3x M3x12 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers and additional thermal insulation washers (for module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with connector on both sides (driver to module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with just one connector (modulation input, ColorBUS)
- 1x 30cm pre-crimped power supply cable

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and solder back PCB
- pre-soldered TEC
- thermal grease
- pre-adjusted cylindrical lens pair
- 3x M3x12 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers and additional thermal insulation washers

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and ColorDRIVE version back PCB
- ColorDRIVE one without TEC driver (calibrated for the corresponding module)
- thermal grease
- pre-adjusted cylindrical lens pair
- 5x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with connector on both sides (driver to module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with just one connector (modulation input, ColorBUS)
- 1x 30cm pre-crimped power supply cable

- Sparrow module with collimated laser diode, pre-installed NTC and ColorDRIVE version back PCB
- ColorDRIVE one with TEC driver (calibrated for the corresponding module)
- pre-soldered TEC
- thermal grease
- pre-adjusted cylindrical lens pair
- 2x M3x10 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers (for driver)
- 3x M3x12 (2.0 hex drive) screws with metal-washers and additional thermal insulation washers (for module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with connector on both sides (driver to module)
- 1x 15cm flat ribbon cable with just one connector (modulation input, ColorBUS)
- 1x 30cm pre-crimped power supply cable