Argon Ion Lasers

The idea of possessing one of these lasers motivated me to do some research on ebay. Since I have very little knowledge about argons, it would be greatly appreciated if you guys give me some info. In fact, i am thinking of a power close to 100mw since I want a visible beam.. Cyan is so nice color =] The only problem is that i dont know which brands are good and if i can find a unit with the power mentioned above for less than $400 .. Thanks in advance..

Wow -- So much to learn---

1. What is the power input? 120, 240 VAC -- 3 phase?
2. Water cooled?
3. Multi or single line?
4. How many hours on the tube and when? A long off period can make for a difficult start up.
5. Will you run it at least once a month for several hours minimum?

Others may join in here with more considerations. Some of the lasers have a rating of 100 mW but a 10 mW SL output which can't be tuned.

HMike

Talk to Dave (Daguin). He'll have you covered, and he knows his stuff. I wouldn't recommend anyone else for a small-frame argon.

Stick with brands like JDS Uniphase, ALC, Lasos, Spectra-Physics, and Melles Griot.

For 100mW+ from a small argon you'll have to have multi-line.

EDIT: just saw you're in Greece... Shipping will kill you. See what you can find in Europe, but don't be surprised if they're extremely hard to find.

OH-- I forgot ---
They make great room heaters -- You will love it in the winter.
Photons and warmth !

HMike

Thanks guys, i have already spoken to dave about his argons.. Lets wait for his reply here. As for the price( excluding shipping), how much minimum would i have to pay?

Bump, Daguin, can you please share some information with us? What are argons used for? Apart from the units you are selling, what are your suggestions for a 100 mw argon?
For example, how many mw's is this? SPECTRA PHYSICS 163-A1202 ARGON ION LASER HEAD AIR-COOL - eBay (item 360231746177 end time Mar-04-10 15:08:48 PST)

Silvershot said:

The idea of possessing one of these lasers motivated me to do some research on ebay. Since I have very little knowledge about argons, it would be greatly appreciated if you guys give me some info. In fact, i am thinking of a power close to 100mw since I want a visible beam.. Cyan is so nice color =] The only problem is that i dont know which brands are good and if i can find a unit with the power mentioned above for less than $400 .. Thanks in advance..

Click to expand...

The recommendations in the thread for "brand" are fine. Finding a small-frame, air cooled one that will do 100mW reliably and safely will be hard. Some of them will give you over 100mW, but most will be far below that. It doesn't matter what the "label" says. Manufacturers use only one or two labels. For example, EVERY JDSU laser meant to produce <10mW has a label that says >.5W I have NEVER seen one produce anywhere close to 500mW. Also, both of the JDSU lasers that I have had that have produced <100mW were rated (by model number) at 25mW and 50mW respectively

Finding a unit that will sell for less than $400 is easy, just talk to me. I have a multi-line for sale right now for $300 plus shipping. Any time you purchase an "untested" unit from eBay, you are taking a risk.

Silvershot said:

Thanks guys, i have already spoken to dave about his argons.. Lets wait for his reply here. As for the price( excluding shipping), how much minimum would i have to pay?

Click to expand...

As with all things eBay, you never really know. I have seen laser heads alone go for <$300 and complete systems go for >$200. If you are going to go the eBay route, be patient. Be ready to feel the sting of disappointment when you loose. Be willing to take a chance that it won't work and/operate up to spec.

Silvershot said:

Bump, Daguin, can you please share some information with us? What are argons used for? Apart from the units you are selling, what are your suggestions for a 100 mw argon?
For example, how many mw's is this? SPECTRA PHYSICS 163-A1202 ARGON ION LASER HEAD AIR-COOL - eBay (item 360231746177 end time Mar-04-10 15:08:48 PST)

Click to expand...

Small-frame, air-cooled argons are used for a great many things. I've already said that getting a 100mW one will be a challenge. There is no way to know or even estimate the output of an individual laser from a picture of it. Also already said, it doesn't matter what the label says. The only way to know is to shine it onto an LPM.

You can do some research on the make and model number to see what you find. Ignore any articles that only tell you the "rated" power. They are just reporting what the label says. Also remember that people have a tendency to exaggerate the power of what they have for sale.

Finally, be ready for sticker shock when it comes to shipping something this heavy internationally. With the end of international "surface" shipping the shipping costs have skyrocketed. If a unit is coming from the US, be ready to spend an additional $150-$200 just to ship the laser and PSU! Argon laser systems are heavy.

Peace,
dave

I'm planning on selling my argon to free up some funds for my white fusion build, but I'm waiting on a hose for the fan. I would want $175 + ship, which would be around $150 as well, but I can check for you when I get everything sorted.

It is a 30mW unit. I'll post pics in the next couple of days if you want

Rb

robjdixon said:

I'm planning on selling my argon to free up some funds for my white fusion build, but I'm waiting on a hose for the fan. I would want $175 + ship, which would be around $150 as well, but I can check for you when I get everything sorted.

It is a 30mW unit. I'll post pics in the next couple of days if you want

Rb

Click to expand...

Yes please post pics so i can think about it.