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FrozenGate by Avery

Why gas lasers?

AndyR

AndyR

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I'm sorry if this has been answered before (I couldnt find it :yabbem:) or if this is a noob-ish question, but why gas lasers? I see low output (5 mW-30mW) gas lasers running up to 10-20x the price of their diode counterparts, not to mention the size needed for cooling / tube vs. a small pointer. Is it the color? Something else that makes it unique?

Again, sorry if this is obvious but I can't seem to find the reason.
 





Gas lasers offer stunning color choices and beam qualities that diode lasers can't yet produce. Gas laser stabilty is better than diode or dpss. My multiline argon also keeps my basement warm. As far as color goes, here's an example :



Gas lasers also reach the very high power levels required for industrial processes like cutting and welding, with CO2 gas lasers in the multi-kilowatt range. Diode arrays have reached this power level, but the optics for a diode array require the pentagon's budget. Many gas lasers, even argons, can exceed 1W, many members here own high power gas lasers that can cut and burn.
 
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:thanks: for the great response! I see what you mean by stunning color choices, the video you posted was amazing :eek:
 
Ever seen the glow from a gas laser tube? Its awesome. I guess for me its just seeing the laser work and the beam being made.

heres a pic of one of my bare tubes :D

DSC00096.jpg
 
Son, we was using gas lasers before most of the folks on this here world wide intraweb was even born......
 
You guys think i can find an argon system at a greek hospital or are they too rare? Where do they usually use them? Old hospitals or in new ones as well?
 
Here's a few more pictures of some of my He-Ne's
Maybe you will "Get the Picture" of the attraction of gas lasers.
S-PsidearmlaserPics005-1.jpg

LasersPics10432.jpg

LaserLabPics029.jpg

09-07-09080-1.jpg

S-PsidearmlaserPics004.jpg

09-07-09086-1.jpg

15mW 632.8 He-Ne, bottom, right vs. 33mW 650nm Diode, top, right. Notice the edges of the beams on the reflection.
LaserShots10-10-09003.jpg

HPIM1049-1.jpg

They are big and ugly beasts. They can, and often will, shock the piss out of you. They demand your respect.
LaserCollection006-1.jpg

This is a "driver" for one. Actually a universal, variable, hi-voltage PSU. These are "real" machines and they let you know it. Ever been "bit" by 4KV@200mA before? If you ever want to kill a horse....... never mind. J/K:crackup:
LaserLabPics012-2.jpg
 
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Gas lasers are old -- like me ----

Clasical Gassss !!!

CO2 lasers are still used in industry for cutting and etching

Gas still has a place.

HMike
 
@ greenmechanic: no one told me these things held a charge. The first time I unplugged the alden connectors and brushed across the prongs BZZZzzzzzttzzxxxxxccxxx! owwwwwww SH*T!!! god all I can say is i hope i never come in contact with the PSU side lol.
 
KiLLrB said:
@ greenmechanic: no one told me these things held a charge. The first time I unplugged the alden connectors and brushed across the prongs BZZZzzzzzttzzxxxxxccxxx! owwwwwww SH*T!!! god all I can say is i hope i never come in contact with the PSU side lol.
Click to expand...

Used to get hit by the psu side dozens of times each day. The burn-in racks used to have 100's of exposed anodes. After a while you get used to it. After a year of that, I was probably immune to a taser.:crackup:
 
So if Argon is not a gas, then what is it?

If carbon dioxide is not a gas, then what is it?
 
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