Eidetical
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- Joined
- May 14, 2022
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The first laser "pointer" was the Spectra-Physics model 130 from around 1964. Here's a pic of one being used that way by Art Schawlow, who later said he regretted being in that photo. A pic showing inside the head and a replacement tube is also below, a page from the brochure, and a pic showing an original plasma tube being repaired (for show). This was the first laser that was DC excited, the first with an integrated head and power supply, and it featured a power switch on its side.