How common are HeNe laser power supply explosions?

[Ben321]

I have read that while normal table-top lab laser power supplies don't have this issue, fully potted HeNe laser power supplies (like when the HeNe laser is an embedded component in some device that uses the laser, such as older table-mounted barcode scanners) are power supplies that can catastrophically fail. Overheating of the device when it fails can cause an increase in pressure inside the device as it's sealed air-tight with potting material, to the point that the built-up pressure can cause it to literally blow up. Is this a common mode of failure? I have a HeNe laser I bought on ebay years ago, and I stopped using it after I read that this could be an issue. How common does is such a catastrophic failure of a fully potted HeNe laser power supply?

 

[Unown (WILD)]

How common does is such a catastrophic failure of a fully potted HeNe laser power supply?

I'm sorry what?

 

[Anthony P]

HeNe supplies are usually reliable and safe. I have owned and used dozens over the decades. None have ever "blown up". Just like any electronic device, they can fail, but they just stop working.