Scratch aligning an ION laser

[DJZ]

Ever wonder how to scratch align an ion laser? I threw together a video that might be helpful. Enjoy!

How to align your gas laser from scratch - YouTube

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Nice!!!!! Now align a pulsed laser !!!!!
Similar but different.
BEWARE of the High Voltages too
HMike

 

[ultimatekaiser]

This is absolutely how I align my stuff. just use a HeNe that will penetrate the mirrors, its even easier. then you can fine tune it easier afterwards, removing those nasty circles afterward. I challenge you to the same thing Mike just stated, as if you mess it up, you can actually burn the coatings off the mirrors if they're off by even a bit.

 

[DJZ]

you can actually burn the coatings off the mirrors if they're off by even a bit.

Ouch! I've never tried to align a pulsed laser before. Just CW argon, krypton and HeNe's! My first time trying was on a HeNe, Spectra Physics 124 that fell off a table, it took over a week... After a couple times you get pretty good at it though.

 

[ultimatekaiser]

I agree. Like anything, there's procedure, and practice. Once you've done it a few times, it's not so bad as long as you have the stuff you need. This includes DPSS alignments.