Recent content by Escher

Thanks everyone - I really am enjoying it, as are my kids!

Easy and cheap to make, just VERY time consuming! Its 1/2" aluminum with a LOT of drilled and tapped holes...

Melles Griot 05-LGR-193-381 4mw HeNe 543nm I've wanted a green HeNe for a long time... I like it!!! And I had to run all three for fun... Beams didnt come out as well as usual though...

For the cost, you wouldn't want to bother replacing the tube in that HeNe - its less than 1mw output - and the tube (if you can find one) would cost more than the laser is worth... you can easily find a 4-5mw Melles Griot tube and power supply for under $200 (or much less if you are patient)...

Not to mention - do you want a multiline or single line? You have listed both... I really understand the urge to do it fast and get excited to buy - I really do! But, slow down a bit and understand what you are getting and what is required. Here is a link to the documentation for these...

If you are looking to get into gas lasers - the best way to start is a Helium Neon as there is much less to deal with and they usually run fine out of the box - just a tube and a power supply (small sealed box). A bunch of us run these Argons and its a bit of a risk whether you get a working...

Thanks! I've been checking in off and on... Other hobbies and the kids got in the way... but I managed to clear off the bench and run the Argon Multiline the other day - did some simple optics experiments with the kiddos for fun. I also just snagged my first greenie on the bay yesterday - 4mw...

Sorry - been away a while and forgot...

Re: PERMANENT THREAD: Ebay& other internet FINDS of interest- read all the OP please JDS Uniphase 2214-40MLA 458-515nm Argon-Ion Laser Head +2114B-40MLA Power Supply | eBay 3 available at about $340 each ($80 shipping)... but they accept offers... not bad for a multiline. You just need a fan.

JDS Uniphase 2214-40MLA 458-515nm Argon-Ion Laser Head +2114B-40MLA Power Supply | eBay 3 available at about $340 each ($80 shipping)... but they accept offers... not bad for a multiline. You just need a fan.

Check my thread on removing the tube from the shell... Then I'd buy a second head with a good cable and bad tube... and then swap cables. Then source a PSU and fan and you are all set.. Or - you could pick up a Beckman Coulter 388mn laser module for around $100 -$150 and get the whole deal in...

Just to clarify - I *can* see the dot in your pic... its on my tube that I can't.. :)

Does the project have to be a lens? The reason I ask is there is a pretty easy and cheap way to make a big impact with refraction in water. Fill a small container with flat sides with water and add enough milk to make it murky. Then shine a laser through it - you will clearly see the beam...

Yup - Mine is identical to that... Must be the dot is off to one end and I cant see it...

Getting old sucks... let me tell you! Even with reading glasses on I can barely see that meter. Still can't see any black dot on the new argon. The Multiline definitely has the black dot at around 6500 hours though... One thing I did do in the last few days was devise a tube tweaking method...