I just got a HeNe laser tube from an old 1982 Pioneer laser disc player. The tube specs at 1mW at 633nm. I tested this tube and at cold start I get 1.3mW and at warm up I get 1.5mW. The tubes output seems great, however the getter spot looks like it wasn't fully activated. It has a slight whiteish tint, not a flakey white. Would I still be getting such a good power reading if the getter was exhausted? Sam Goldwasser if you read this, give me an e-mail at snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com so I can send you a pic and you can tell me what you think.
HeNe Laser Tube Help needed! ATTN Sam Goldwasser
Aug 29, 2005
3 Replies
Don't worry, be happy. :) If you're getting over spec'd power, then the getter is still doing its job. It does sound like it's on marginal side though. Probably in a year or 10, it might poop out. ;-)
--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Mirror:
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The getter is to absorb any ozygen that might have remained in the tube after it was sealed. If the geter is still nice and shiny then no leaks. If it is white and powdery then the tube is leaking and the unit probably wouldn't work at all.
I'd be more worried about helium migration through the glass tube leading to an eventual failure.
John :-#)#
(Please post followups or tech enquires to the newsgroup) John's
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If he's got good output power, shouldn't worry about either of these.
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