CO2 optics

[james1095]

So I was looking around my garage recently and realized I have almost everything I need to build a small flowing gas CO2 laser. What I lack are the optics, HR and a ZnSe OC. Anyone got a line on these for a reasonable cost? Looks like I can pick up new stuff for ~$200, but something salvaged from a dead/damaged commercial CO2 tube ought to work too.

 

[LSRFAQ]

So I was looking around my garage recently and realized I have almost everything I need to build a small flowing gas CO2 laser. What I lack are the optics, HR and a ZnSe OC. Anyone got a line on these for a reasonable cost? Looks like I can pick up new stuff for ~$200, but something salvaged from a dead/damaged commercial CO2 tube ought to work too.

I have a new set in storage, for 3-4 foot tube at about 100$. PM me if interested.

Steve

 

[Direct green]

Make some. Make a plaster mold of the optics you want, (cast lenses you have). The pour in molten table salt. Boom! you have co2 optics for next to nothing.

 

[james1095]

I don't think it's that easy. If salt made good optics, everyone wouldn't be using expensive and toxic ZnSe. I want well made purpose built optics so I don't have that variable to deal with. Once I get something up and running I'll be more inclined to experiment.

 

[steve001]

Salt lenses can be used, but its hygroscopic nature make it impractical for anything other than short periods of time.
Not practical for the average person to melt salt at home either. It has a melt temperature of 801° C ( 1474° F ).

 

[LSRFAQ]

Salt lenses can be used, but its hygroscopic nature make it impractical for anything other than short periods of time.
Not practical for the average person to melt salt at home either. It has a melt temperature of 801° C ( 1474° F ).

NaCl optics are made on a modified Draper lens machine like everything else. The salt is quasi amorphous when cast and this results in high losses as the beam passes through it.

Besides, if you do not care about optical quality, you press KBR or NaCL powder into a form, not melt it.

Steve

 

[steve001]

NaCl optics are made on a modified Draper lens machine like everything else. The salt is quasi amorphous when cast and this results in high losses as the beam passes through it.

Besides, if you do not care about optical quality, you press KBR or NaCL powder into a form, not melt it.

Steve

Learned something new, thanks. For further reading I came across this discussion.
Salt Lenses , Technology from Laser Mirrors

 

[Bluefan]

What specs do you need? I have some CO2 laser optics lying around, the university cleaned up and I think I can spare some (I plan to build a CO2 laser in the future too).

 

[Bonnie]

I don't think it's that easy. If salt made good optics, everyone wouldn't be using expensive and toxic ZnSe.

Wouldn't it be nice if it were that easy? Just whip up a few extra lenses in the microwave?

We are fortunate that good quality lenses are available at decent prices.