Could someone tell me more about this laser?

[iskor12]

I posted this laser in the general section. I was told that if I wanted more information about it...that I should post it here. I found out that it is a HeNe laser...but I was woundering if you Gas Laser gurus could give me more information about this tube.......
Such as...
Output:
Wavelength:
What it was used in???? (I know this one is asking a lot)
Perhaps...It's value:

Any information is greatly appreciated.
I just received this laser as a gift from a friend tonight about 3 hours ago. I know very little information about it. I am currently reading as much as possible on here about it.

Thanks for your help.

Thanks,
Iskor12

 

[ElektroFreak]

I'll start

It's a 1-3mW Uniphase HeNe w/ brick style PS. Probably from a grocery scanner, printer or copier.

It produces light at 632.8nm (thanks Dave!)..

Value ~$25-75.

HeNe lasers have very favorable beam characteristics normally found only in VERY expensive lasers. These include a nearly pure TEM00 output and great coherence length. They are used frequently for aligning higher-powered lasers (for safety) and will work for holography. They don't produce much power, but they have an extremely high-quality beam.

 

[iskor12]

Thank you very much EF

 

[daguin]

The only thing I would add has been alluded to elsewhere. Be careful with the high voltage here. 1700V is nothing to sneeze at. Also keep in mind that BOTH the PSU AND the tube act as capacitors. They will still shock you AFTER you have turned off the power

Peace,
dave

 

[iskor12]

Thanks Dave. I am always very carefull when I mess with a PSU....especially ones that say 1700Volts DC.

 

[photonaholic]

They are really cool, and unless you really need some chump change, I'd keep it.

I have seen similar lasers sit on ebay with $25 starting bids end without one single bid.

 

[moninosis]

17000 VDC?? Whoa, Y'know I used to work with vacuum tube amps running 300+ VDC, and I knew I had to be careful when I was working on those. but 17000 is certain death.

 

[ElektroFreak]

^too many zeroes. 1700V

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

300 Volts ?? That is a small vacuum tube amp. Try a 4-1000A tube with over 7,000 volts. That's getting up to power. If the plate isn't red, there's no real power there !!!
HMike

 

[ElektroFreak]

Light 'em up! I used to tune my old quad 6LQ6 amp until the plates were glowing like crazy. That thing was awesome.

 

[Lasher]

Sounds like I'm not the only Audiophile on this forum

Lasher