How would you build a laser?

[KDOG]

It CAN'T be that hard. I mean you can get the little laser pointer things in the checkout aisle at the supermarket for like $8... I would like to build one a little more powerful, not that could shoot an airplane down or anything, but I'd like to see what one that could cut into wood looks like going off... anyone?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Go look down the barrel and see for yourself.

- M4H

 

[Tetsuo]

http://technology.niagarac.on.ca/people/mcsele/lasers/

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Go look down the barrel and see for yourself.

- M4H

😀

 

[vi edit]

*holds fingers in air* "laaaaazzzzer"

 

[matt426malm]

The experimental lasers that are on the 747's that shoot down missiles pretty much fill up the whole plane, and must cost 10s of millions. Much bigger risk from some guy with one of those shoulder mounted rocket launchers.

 

[anxman69]

I built two lasers in the last few weeks.

If you're seriously interested, I advise you start by learning about the physics behind the lasers (energy levels, stimulated emission, quantum effects, etc.). From there, the link above provides good information about how to make a homebrew laser.

If I had to suggest, I'd say first build a HeNe which tends to be the most functional in learning about lasers.

If you're *very* serious about lasers, consider University of Rochester's world reknown optics program :-D </shameless plug> I'll be graduating from it (armed with a BS) in May 2004.

-Ankur

 

[beer]

Don't let costs deceive you. A network card costs like $5 these days. However, to understand the amount of circuitry involved isn't easy. Don't be deceived.

Lasers are the same way. They are easy to build...

...once you spent six years getting an MS in Physics.

 

[beer]

By the way, I'd also like to add that you are in for a surprise if you try to build a laser that has enough pressure to actually do anything. You'd need an MS in EE to even design a power system for those, and more education in physics to utilize it.

Trying to build something that complex simply by following diagrams is a recipe for failure. You don't know what to look for or what can go wrong. Most people cook by recipes, not build lasers by them.

Remember, we had fission and fusion bombs before we had lasers.

 

[brxndxn]

Trying to build something that complex simply by following diagrams is a recipe for failure. You don't know what to look for or what can go wrong. Most people cook by recipes, not build lasers by them.

wtf.. you can build a laser out of popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and hot glue.. We made them in 1st grade. One kid ate his.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: brxndxn

Trying to build something that complex simply by following diagrams is a recipe for failure. You don't know what to look for or what can go wrong. Most people cook by recipes, not build lasers by them.

wtf.. you can build a laser out of popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and hot glue.. We made them in 1st grade. One kid ate his.

No dude, that was edible crack you made.

 

[rival]

with the Acme laser building kit (tm)

 

[NokiaDude]

If I can build a pulse jet then you can build your laser contrapion!