I need to connect 5V laser module looks like this one.
I connected it like an LED and it works. But i am afraid of doing something wrong.
I came across things like "laser diode drivers" such as this one.
Why do we need a driver for laser diode? what is wrong to connect it like an LED since it seems it works.
Is laser diode and laser module different things?
Answer
A laser diode is usually a three terminal device: a common point, a supply pin for power to the laser diode itself, and a photodiode output for feedback. The device you have looks like it has either a built-in controller or is running in straight open-loop (uncontrolled) mode.
If you keep the current within the Safe Operating Area (SOA) for the laser diode, you won't hurt anything, but you end up with an uncontrolled laser. It's not as scary as it sounds, but you probably aren't lasing or, if you are, you have no idea what your actual laser power output level is, which can be dangerous to eyeballs.
Laser diodes are designed to be operated in closed-loop mode where the power supply senses the output level of the laser through that photodiode and adjusts its output current on the fly in order to keep the device laser diode operating in the region where it is actually a laser and also to keep the power output level where it is designed to be. The link you provided isn't a laser power supply in that sense; it's a simple open-loop power supply which is probably better at maintaining a specific voltage/current level, but not actually maintaining a specific laser output power level.
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