- Joined
- Dec 29, 2009
- Messages
- 3,136
- Points
- 63
From my reading here at LPF, I've noticed that the prime reason for mode-hopping is misalignment of the crystal set. Does this mean that TEM00 only occurs when the alignment is perfect?
If so, then I do not believe it is an alignment issue. Looking at the spot with laser goggles reveals what looks to be a beautiful (but tiny) TEM00 spot which, assuming TEM00 only occurs when alignment is correct, indicates something other than an alignment issue.
If, however, TEM00 can occur without perfect alignment, then the fact that my module still creates a TEM00 beam does not disprove an alignment issue.
I'm curious if perhaps one of the optics was coated with the wrong AR coating, or if absence of a coating may negatively affect the absorption of the light so much that the optic "soaks up" enough energy to deform or melt.... However, I'm kind of hesitant to bust this sucker open because I just got it, and the beam still looks fine. I wanted a laser that I can use to point at distant objects in the daytime or stars at night. This still accomplishes my goal, so I am not going to disassemble it. If Nexbox offers to replace it for a small restocking fee, though, I wouldn't mind starting over, with what I know now.
If so, then I do not believe it is an alignment issue. Looking at the spot with laser goggles reveals what looks to be a beautiful (but tiny) TEM00 spot which, assuming TEM00 only occurs when alignment is correct, indicates something other than an alignment issue.
If, however, TEM00 can occur without perfect alignment, then the fact that my module still creates a TEM00 beam does not disprove an alignment issue.
I'm curious if perhaps one of the optics was coated with the wrong AR coating, or if absence of a coating may negatively affect the absorption of the light so much that the optic "soaks up" enough energy to deform or melt.... However, I'm kind of hesitant to bust this sucker open because I just got it, and the beam still looks fine. I wanted a laser that I can use to point at distant objects in the daytime or stars at night. This still accomplishes my goal, so I am not going to disassemble it. If Nexbox offers to replace it for a small restocking fee, though, I wouldn't mind starting over, with what I know now.
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