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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Is it possible to build a pulsed CO2 pointer?

Joined
Dec 26, 2009
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Is it possible to build a pulsed CO2 laser pointer?

I bet I'd need:

1. A glass tube with gold mirror at one end and a semi-gilded mirror at the other, filled with CO2 (of course!)
2. A zinc selenide window
3. A device to Q-switch it (either by rotating the semi-gilded mirror or some type of electro-optic switch)

How would I go about building this? Think I can make it run on AAs (probably need to build a step-up transformer if so)?

Thanks!
 





Joined
Jan 7, 2007
Messages
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Man ---
You need to do some reading about CO2 lasers. CO2 gas is the lesser part of the plasma charge. Mostly He and N2 plus a little other stuff. The mirrors can be acquired from damaged tubes.. You might find them on ebay. ZnSe is expensive and the beam is invisible. The power supply will be large because of the coils and high voltage.
Keep us informed.........

HMike
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2009
Messages
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Points
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Man ---
You need to do some reading about CO2 lasers. CO2 gas is the lesser part of the plasma charge. Mostly He and N2 plus a little other stuff. The mirrors can be acquired from damaged tubes.. You might find them on ebay. ZnSe is expensive and the beam is invisible. The power supply will be large because of the coils and high voltage.
Keep us informed.........

HMike

Yeah, I thought it would be stupid.
 
Joined
Jan 7, 2007
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I didn't say stupid -- I implied that it is a serious undertaking even for me and I have built a CO2 from the glass up. It took years to do but that was 40 years ago! Technology has changed and occasionally, there are really small CO2 lasers advertised on ebay.

HMike
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2009
Messages
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I didn't say stupid -- I implied that it is a serious undertaking even for me and I have built a CO2 from the glass up. It took years to do but that was 40 years ago! Technology has changed and occasionally, there are really small CO2 lasers advertised on ebay.

HMike

Still, I don't have the funds for such a big undertaking.
 
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
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I'm at a loss as to what in the heck anyone would use a multi watt non visible "pointer" for.

"See that smoke & big black spot on the screen, that's what I am trying to point at for you guys" (J/K)
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2009
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I'm at a loss as to what in the heck anyone would use a multi watt non visible "pointer" for.

"See that smoke & big black spot on the screen, that's what I am trying to point at for you guys" (J/K)

So I can paint targets for heat-seeking missiles :) And for self-defense.
 
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Oct 24, 2009
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Ohhhh. I like war! When you are making billions dealing these to the militaries of the world... Send me one!
 

LSRFAQ

0
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May 8, 2009
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Take a high power nitrogen laser design. Replace the windows with ZNSE, fill with Co2 laser mix at atmospheric pressure. Add a external high reflector.
Stir well. Adjust mix pressure for max power.

congrats, you just built a pulsed TEA CO2. (google it)

wIKI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TEA_laser
Seen em...

Steve
 




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