Help me connect VCSEL to voltage supply

i need to make a vcsel work and i dont know how to connect it to the voltage supply. should i apply voltage or current? what is the suitable value.

Storage Temperature Range -40° to +100° C
Operating Temperature Range 0° to +85° C
Lead Soldering Temperature [1/16 inch (1.6mm) from case for 5 sec with soldering iron] 260° C(1)
Maximum Forward Peak Current, Continuous 12 mA
Maximum Reverse Voltage 5 V
Maximum Forward Current, pulse (1μs P.W., 10% D.C.) 48 mA


threshold current= 3mA
VF Forward Voltage 2.2 V IF = 7 mA
IR Reverse Current 100 nA VR = 5 V
Maximum Forward Peak Current, Continuous 12 mA
Maximum Reverse Voltage 5 V
Maximum Forward Current, pulse (1μs P.W., 10% D.C.) 48 mA

You are trying to ingrate the VCSEL diode with a driver? or is it in a TOSA form?

i dont know what is this TOSA form but what i am trying to do is connect a voltage/current supply to a simple vcsel to make it emit infrared

Hi,
A VCSEL is as a normal forward biased diode to use.
You can apply it on a fix voltage source(pwr supply) with the calculated serial resistor for 5mA, or maybe better for these exemlplar:7mA, means R=2.8V/7mA (by 5V supply)...But of course, its possible to drive it with a 7mA current source too.
Some IR VCSELs has a normal red light too, nice to check the function ...
K.

well i tried to drive it with a 7m current supply (without the resistor) and it didnt work .. did i just burn the vcsel or what ?

Hi,
I dont know power supply with 7mA current limiting_only higher.
Its very real, that your VCSEL is killed_use pls a serial resistor, these isnt a problem and saves your component and money!
You can check it with a serial res. on +5V i.e. and neasure the voltae on the VCSEL_ if it is not the ca. 2.0-2.4V, situation is clear_you killed it...
K.