Not to mention they (ruby rods) are extremely expensive to get.
I have seen a few go for $1200 starting price. I think you'll find that for price sake you'd better go with Nd YAG.
Hi,
If i can reccommend ask Richard Anderson from Andersonlasers. I asked him three months ago about ruby rod. His offer below. (may be still lasting)
Regards,
Beam
>>
The 3/8 ruby rods with the mirrors coated on ends are $800 each. the coatings are very costly. I have some slightly shorter about 3.7" long and price is $550. Shipping overseas is about $35. All of the 1/4"x3" are sold and sold for $500 each, but none in stock. I will not be getting another coating run. When these are gone, that is it. The dielectric coatings cost $1100 for the hr, and $950 for the oc plus shipping. I used to get 10 at a time as the price is the same as one rod. This is the only way to be able to afford the coating job.
Yags are about $500, as they have the same expensive coatings. I have a 6" glass with mirrored ends for $450.
I have a ruby laser rod, and I'm trying to find out how much it's worth and if anyone is interested in buying it. It's almost 3in. long and on the container it says E8. I may have a few shorter ones too.