Lexel 95 Argon Ion Laser up and running

[@magx1]

Actually, very interesting! Old lasers are like old cars - the older they are, the more interesting and unusual they seem.

[@douro20]

There is a video of one of those supplies running a Lexel 85/95 SHG argon laser in another video from Cambridge. It uses SHG (second harmonic generation) to produce UV.

[@008626]

@NerdMirage I should hope it doesn't sound like anything, being a laser. Ions are still hard to beat with exceptional beam quality and wavelength spectra, especially where multiline ions are concerned that can lase at 6-10 lines or more from a single cavity.

[@008626]

@NerdMirage Why do people still use vacuum tube audio amplifiers?

[@Lazereer]

You got it up and running Great.:) Nice Color!

[@hastypete]

Make sure you set the taps so that the Reg 50V meter stays within the green band on the meter. Call me if you need info. Also I can get you a pdf manual if you give me the serial number off the head. - Peter @ Cambridge Lasers labs (Lexel manufacturer).

[@008626]

@douro20 Yes, I'm quite aware, this is my third working argon laser

[@hastypete]

good job.

[@NerdMirage]

@008626 Because they sound amazing and do their job very well. This on the other hand, doesn't.

[@douro20]

Argon-ion lasers are terribly inefficient- it take several thousand watts in to get a few watts out. But that thing certainly will burn stuff.

[@NerdMirage]

What is the point of such an inefficient laser?