Would anyone like to see a strange 532nm labby? - for $40 ;)

[icecruncher]

I don't think the issue here is with the technology. The issue here is that this was a relatively unique laser, even if it was inefficient.

And if you think that doesn't matter. Try finding a 612nm HeNe now days.

Cool, look forward to seeing the upgrade.

and YES, you can't find one anywhere! I'm still looking.

 

[rhd]

You guys need to have more faith in me

Come on - I wouldn't kill a unique laser unless I had the intention of making it into something equally or more unique. I'll make you guys a promise - this laser's death will not be in vain.

 

[Asherz]

Could you not replace the diodes without dismantling the whole thing? I think the point qumefox and Trevor were making is that you don't dismantle say a 532nm he-ne because it's inefficient

 

[rhd]

Could you not replace the diodes without dismantling the whole thing? I think the point qumefox and Trevor were making is that you don't dismantle say a 532nm he-ne because it's inefficient

No. Each diode, as well as the crystal assembly have little hex adjustment screws for allowing slight refinement of the left/right positioning. However, they had been hot-glued (or epoxied) in place after the alignment was set. The only real way to get a crack at properly fixing alignment, or (in my case what I'm going to do) using new diodes, was to take it apart (which FYI, was really only a process of unscrewing ~4 things) and clean the gunk out of those adjustment "mechanisms".

And gosh, if I ever found a "532nm he-ne", you're right - I'd encase that behind glass and charge admission

 

[qumefox]

I'm curious. Are there any optics on the pump side before the PBS?

 

[rhd]

Yep - both diodes have their own optics assembly which I left in place. Their optics relative to the PBS is still as-is. The diodes mount right up against lenses and have the hex screws I described as adjustment.

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

high power 473 blue :eg:

Looks like it can seal up nicely. Just don't put it together by the kitchen sink

 

[qumefox]

Um. BBO is both more efficient and isn't hygroscopic like LBO (or do I have those reversed? Going from memory) If you want to build blue, no reason to use LBO.

 

[Benm]

I must say its quite an interesting find - i've never seen a construction with 2 pump diodes like that in green labbies.

I wonder why it was so inefficient - perhaps something got misaligned, or you were supposed to control the temperature at well. Perhaps its still worth exploring with new pump diodes, sure looks like a well constructed piece of kit!

 

[Bluefan]

It looks like a nice high quality laser, try to get it working again, that would be nice. Lucky you to find such a deal.