need help (netherlands) spectra-physics 168-35 whitelight

[laserwinkel]

hey steve,

i think something went wrong could you please resend the schematics?
got nothing in my inbox :/

thanks in advance!

[Stoney3K]

OK, we're planning to do some work coming Friday, particularly, aligning the 168 so it's lasing again. If we're lucky, we've even got a PCAOM and scanner kit on standby, which means, if we can make it work on Friday, it's time to have some fun!

I checked Sam's Laser FAQ on alignment of Argon tubes, but it talks about removing the mirrors. I am a bit concerned about causing any damage by removing the mirrors in an incorrect manner.

Maybe Laserman532 can give us some pointers here? The tube is working, not lasing, and the mirrors are not aligned *at all*.

My first thought is to simply shoot the bore as described in Sam's FAQ. Some images so I know where to look would be helpful.

[stanwax]

the mirrors come out pretty easy, 'O' rings buffer the mirror to the plungers that hold them in - they tend to stick to these which can help to remove them, I would put some foamor soft cloth down beneath the ends as you remove the mirror just in case it drops. The front one will only come out only after removing the beam take off to the photo diode and is likely to be tricker than the rear to remove but I use a little Blu-Tak (poster putty) on a stick to pick up an edge and help it out.
Have you got a labjack or similar to help you position the alignment laser? Like Sam says take plenty of time and dont rush it - getting the alignment beam right in the bore is the first major step on the road to alignment.

Good luck

Rob

[Stoney3K]

the mirrors come out pretty easy, 'O' rings buffer the mirror to the plungers that hold them in - they tend to stick to these which can help to remove them.

So, if I understand correctly, the mirrors themselves are held in place by a set screw somewhere at the side of the mount (just like dichro mounts), and I do not need to take off the Brewster covers to get to the mirrors?

*wipes sweat off head* One less thing to worry about. Those Brewsters got me kind of nervous, if I don't need to touch them, there's no risk of snapping a stem.

BTW, we can get a spare SP168 with a (presumed) dead tube for under $200. Would that be worth the money for spare parts, or even be worth a try lighting it up?

[Laserman532]

turn the current all the way up and try to rock the back plate vertically and scanning horizontal knob one turn each way. (loosen bellows first) you should see a flash...then just dial it in. (the back plate is the one mostly messed up because the umbilical cord hits it)

[Stoney3K]

turn the current all the way up and try to rock the back plate vertically and scanning horizontal knob one turn each way. (loosen bellows first) you should see a flash...then just dial it in. (the back plate is the one mostly messed up because the umbilical cord hits it)

Would that even work if both mirrors are completely out of whack?

Then again, if it doesn't, it's just time wasted and I can shoot the bore anyway.

[stanwax]

Its best to try Pats method first as a few mins might save you hours if it flashes. When waggling the endplates slacken off the brewster covers or you could snap the brewsters 'wince'.
The mirrors are not held in like you suggest by a screw - I may not be entirely accurate as its a while since i took mine out but....thinking about the rear of the laser the mirror is insude a tube, behind it is an 'O' ring, next there is an ally plunger with a cone on the end (nearest to the mirror). The back end of the plunger is flat and a threaded plastic plug with a slot (for screwdriver). Its as simple as that - no need to make things more complicated than you need.
Rob

[Stoney3K]

Have you got a labjack or similar to help you position the alignment laser?

Have you seen Iron Man 2?

We've got coasters and a spirit level!

[stanwax]

If that works dont knock it - first time I did a full align of mine was on a bench the shape pf a banana and I jacked the head up with 2 CDROM drives under each end to get it near to the hene height . All this in a space that was the same width as the length of the 2 lasers plus 1mm each and

Rob

[Laserman532]

i cant find it but somewhere i explained how to do it with a shadow box. These lasers have so much gain you dont need to shoot them...it is all about technique. I wish I could come over there and just do it...i've never been to the Netherlands.