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To this day, I have a scar on my little toe from a small drop of NaOH that dripped on my shoe in the lab about 20 years ago.

As a hobbyist, I have scratch built many gas lasers over the years. The CO2 laser is much more forgiving than other gas lasers. It only requires a modest level vacuum, power supply can be very simple AC or DC, and optical alignment has a very large margin for error... A CO2 laser will produce...

Amperage absolutely must be regulated.

I was thinking of the mirror coating applied directly to the ends of the crystal. Edmunds is expensive, but they do have technical advisors who are happy to help.

Don't have a specific answer. This week, Edmund optics announced that they are now capable of custom polishing and mirror coating laser crystals such as ruby. Sam's laser FAQ has a lot of info, and so do the Iannini books...

I have purchased this laser from Lifetime 17 and received it yesterday, only a few days after ordering. While this is not a full review, I do have a few comments. The workmanship is impeccable. Every part is perfectly machined. The design is sleek and elegant. The ergonomics of the side switch...

I am about to purchase 405 diode/ module from DTR . Looking for a thin tight beam rather than just power. Short range, maybe 100 feet or less. Given the choices of BDR-209 and SO6J-12x, Which is the best choice and which lens? Thanks in advance. -Tony

Edmund Optics calls it "static Alignment". Here is an example: https://www.edmundoptics.com/f/lumentum-high-performance-helium-neon-lasers/13650/

High end lasers have a term in their specs that refers to how true the beam is compared to its housing... forget what they call it.

This project is right out of "The Laser Cookbook" by Gordon McComb. I have never tried the 4 motor set-up, but I will. With 2, both mirrors running clockwise creates cardioid graphs, and opposite directions creates many spiro patterns including ellipses, and even the "Rush" pentagram star. A...

I have built several versions over the years. It truly is a cool project for any laser owner. A few tips: The 3rd mirror will almost never be used. Motors must be reversible. It is necessary to achieve a speed differential between the two mirrors, one turns slowly and the other more quickly...

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.

You are correct. There is no wavelength for purple. If you think of it like chemistry, it is a mixture... not a solution.

Red mixed with blue makes purple.

If you are talking about actual UV, quartz lenses coated for UV are necessary. UV enhanced concave mirrors work even better.

Is that high voltage module outputting AC or DC. DC at tiny amperage will charge your plates at its own rate and fire whenever it is ready. AC will work, but at a high pulse rate(2x AC Hz). This requires some significant amperage 30+mA to charge the plates before the sign wave AC swings.

I have built several N2 lasers over thee years. The device works much, much better in pure nitrogen at around a 27 inch vacuum rather than air. The distance on your spark gap trigger is critical ( the distance on your penny to wire electrode). If it is too short, no laser. If it is too long, you...

What exactly do you mean "normal high voltage power supply"? Ballast resistor is critical. Tube current is very important. Some tubes require ignitor. There are usually many HeNe power bricks on e-bay. To build your own is very possible and a cool project. I will keep an eye on this thread...

I once cooked a piece of steak with a CO2 laser. I do not recommend it.