HeNe Laser Kits - Basic, Zeeman, Stabilized with or without Arduino Controller

These are various combinations of bare HeNe laser tubes, power supply bricks, and DC power packs or wall adapters to use for experiments or research, as well as parts to construct an Arduino controller to stabilized some of the tubes to produce a single frequency or Zeeman laser for use in interferometer applications.

Note: The Basic and Zeemen kits now have either 4-3/4 inch (~12.1 cm) or 6 inch (~15 cm) tubes.  My choice but if you have a strong preference, contact me before ordering.  The output power may be slightly lower for the shorter tubes (though barely perceptible by eye), but they have cathode-end output and low divergence.  And for the Zeeman kits, the maximum split frequency can be higher (typically >1.5 MHz).  And they are really cute. ;-)  The photos have not been updated yet.

If a particular kit you're interested in is "Out of Stock", please contact me.  Sometimes these things don't get updated. :( :-)

Here are detailed descriptions of all the types of HeNe Laser Kits available.  Please contact me with any questions.

Basic HeNe Laser Kit:



The Basic HeNe Laser Kit ncludes a GUARANTEED WORKING red (633 nm) HeNe laser system consisting of:
These are similar parts to what would be found in an $800 laser if purchased new. The tube is "Hard-seal" which means it doesn't decay on the shelf so no periodic running is required to keep it healthy.  Random polarized means that for this length tube there are up to 2 longitudinal modes present that are usually orthogonally polarized.

The output is from the cathode-end of the tube for the 4-3/4" tubes but from the anode-end of the tube for the 6 inch tubes.  This is critical for the hookup - powering the tube backwards will ruin it. Please pay attention to the wiring instructions in the construction manual which may be found at repairfaq.org/sam/manuals/ .   Note that the anode-end of the tube MUST go to the mount with the red wire and ballast. Some of these tubes emit from the cathode-end (including all the 4-3/4 inchers).  If using the mounting brackets, a hole will need to be drilled in the cathode-end bracket.  I will usually have done that for you but just in case I forget, it can be done with a hand-drill and 1/8-1/4 inch drill bit. Of critical importance is that the tube be installed with the correct polarity. The tube may light and appear to work even if installed backwards, but it is likely to fail quickly. And yes, it's possible to tell that the cause of failure was reverse polarity. Failure of the tube due to incorrect wiring is not covered by the 30 day warranty.

This is basically a "turn-key system". No key :) but the only assembly required is installing the tube in the brackets and connecting the brick to the wall adapter. The laser tube and brick are used but fully tested; everything else is new. Here's your chance to own a real gas laser (not a laser pointer!) that can be used for all sorts of laser and optics experiments. The beam from a HeNe laser is of much higher quality than a diode laser - TEM00 with a near perfect Gaussian profile. The system can easily be mounted on a plastic or wood base with clear Plexiglas cover for display purposes (not included). A possible layout of a mounting base is shown above. Also available for all the kits are:
Contact me before buying if interested and I will send an offer with the selected option(s).

Basic+ HeNe Laser Kit:

This substitutes a 9-10 inch Spectra-Physics or Siemens tube for the short tube.  It runs on the same power supply and the output power is greater than 0.8 mW.

Deluxe HeNe Laser Kit:



The Deluxe HeNe Laser Kit has all the parts in the Basic HeNe Laser Kit but it has a higher power tube and a couple of additions:
As a practical matter, the difference in output power will be barely visible by eye even if the tubes are powered side-by-side, so the additional cost to build a higher power laser lamp is probably not worth it. ;-)

Deluxe+ HeNe Laser Kit:

This substitutes a 9-10 inch Spectra-Physics or Siemens tube for the short tube.  It runs on the same power supply and the output power is greater than 0.9 mW.

Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit:



The Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit includes a laser tube that is guaranteed to be suitable for Zeeman and includes the following:
One of the photos shows 49 of the 50 magnets arranged surrounding a plastic sleeve into which a tube will fit. They are secured with tape and two slices of bicycle inner tube. :) The laser will also work without the magnets as a normal (non-Zeeman) HeNe. Viewing the Zeeman behavior will require an oscilloscope with a bandwidth of at least 2 MHz or a sensitive frequency counter (not included). A similar tube with magnets and my test setup is shown below:

  

Tube Installed in Zeeman Magnet for Testing (Left) and Scope Display of Zeeman Beat (Right)

The beam from a HeNe laser is of much higher quality than a diode laser - TEM00 with a near perfect Gaussian profile. And you can impress your friends by talking about Zeeman beats and split HeNe gain curves. ;-)  With the included Zeeman parts, the behavior of the tube inside a magnetic field can be characterized. While not part of the kit, inexpensive magnetic field sensors are readily available from an electronics distributor so that a Gauss meter can be built for under $10.

Using the rare earth magnets, a peak Zeeman beat frequency of between 0.8 and 1.2 MHz should be achievable. It should be possible to add soft iron pole pieces to the magnets to boost the field.

With the addition of a Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometer (see my other listings), the longitudinal mode behavior with and without the magnets can be characterized.

With the addition of a means of stabilizing the laser with the split Zeeman modes locked in position, this setup can form the basis for a precision laser interferometer measuring system. See Stabilized Zeeman HeNe Laser kits, below, and my other listings.

Zeeman+ HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but the tube may be 4-3/4 or 6 inches with a minimum output power of 0.6 mW.  As a practical matter, the power doesn't really make much difference for experiments and doesn't imply anything about life expectancy.  Higher power may result in a lower split frequency.

Zeeman++ HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but with a minimum output power of 1.0 mW.

Custom Zeeman Kits with New/NOS Tube 1-3


These Zeeman Kits are for those who would like a bit more of a challenge.  These have higher split frequencies and / or power output.  They consist of the following:
Currently there are three (and may never be many more since these were prototypes):
  1. 0.8 mW / 2.0 MHz.
  2. 1.4 mW / 2.0 MHz.
  3. 1.7 mW / 2.8 MHz.
Since the tubes are virtually brand new, over time the power will decline and the split frequency will increase, but probably not significantly during the extent of experimental use as long as not run 24/7.

There are also stabilized (with the detector parts) and stabilized with Arduino options for these tubes. ;-)

HP 5517 HeNe Zeeman Kit:

This replaces the discrete tube+magnets+heater with the tube assembly from a Hewlett Packard/Agilent/Keysight laser including the glass HeNe laser tube with internal heater, cylindrical magnet, beam expander or collimator, waveplates, and feet.  Not only is mounting greatly simplified, but the high voltage connector makes shocking experiences less likely.  This can be customized to some extent.  See item # 304026905185 for typical available laser tubes.  However, these have much lower power than the 4-3/4" or 6" glass laser tubes - only 100 to 250 µW typical, and life is likely to be shorter.  These CANNOT replace the $10,000 tube in the laser in the wafer FAB you picked up for $1.98 + shipping!  If interested in this or the option with Arduino controller, it may be best to inquire before purchasing to determine if what you want is available.




Stabilized HP 5517 HeNe Zeeman Kit with Arduino:

The kit above with Arduino controller.  This may be available, but due to the lower tube power, it will be more of a challenge to get working.

High Power Random Polarized HeNe Laser Kit:



This is a GUARANTEED WORKING red (633 nm) RANDOM POLARIZED HeNe laser system for demos, education, research.
  • Melles Griot or Zygo HeNe laser tube with an output power of at least 2.5 mW.  (The spec power for these is 2 mW.).  The tube is used but healthy.
  • And as a bonus, I will include a second similar tube absolutely free (where have you heard that before?!).  It only produces 1.5-2 mW but will run on the same power supply or could be used separately for a laser lamp. ;-)
  • HeNe laser power supply brick that runs on low voltage DC with wall adapter OR AC line voltage (my choice unless you have a preference, ask).  The next few will probably be AC and the brick will not look like the one in the photo.  These will have wire leads or a female Alden connector with short mating male Alden cable.  Styles may vary.  Wiring information will be provided.
  • Ballast resistors, wire, and tube clips.
Photos are typical.  Some cleanup of adhesive residue on the tubes may be necessary.  The good tube will be fairly clean; for the other one, nothing a single edge razor blade and fine steel wool won't cure. ;-)

These are hard-seal tubes about 9 inches in length and 1.25 inch in diameter.   "Hard-seal" means they don't decay on the shelf so no periodic running is required to keep them healthy.  The output is from the cathode-end of the tube.  They have a near diffraction-limited low divergence.

To recap:  The good tube has an output power of at least 2.5 mW.  The "free" tube has an output power between 1.5 and 2 mW.  Both are hard-seal.

One benefit of this kit over those above in addition to the higher output power is that the beam is very well collimated without any additional optics.  The divergence is around 1.2 mR.

High Power Linear Polarized HeNe Laser Kit:



This is a GUARANTEED WORKING red (633 nm) LINEARLY POLARIZED HeNe laser system for demos, education, research.
  • JDS Uniphase 1022P polarized HeNe laser tube with an output power of at least 3 mW.  (The spec power for these is 2 mW.).  The tube is safely mounted in a bracket and has a short Alden cable.  The tube is very healthy.
  • HeNe laser power supply brick that runs on low voltage VDC with wall adapter OR AC line voltage, with Alden connector (my choice unless you have a preference, ask).  Styles may vary.
Photos are typical.

These are similar parts to what would be found in an $800 laser if purchased new.

The hard-seal tube is about 8 inches in length and 1.4 inch in diameter and has an output power of at least 3.0 mW.  "Hard-seal" means it doesn't decay on the shelf so no periodic running is required to keep it healthy.  The output is from the anode-end of the tube, but it is well insulated.  It has a near diffraction-limited low divergence.

This is nearly fully assembled with at most the need to attach the DC power supply to the HeNe laser power supply wires.

This is basically a "turn-key system".  No key :) but the only assembly required is installing the tube in the brackets and connecting the brick to the wall adapter.

Here's your chance to own a real gas laser (not a laser pointer!) that can be used for all sorts of laser and optics experiments.  The beam from a HeNe laser is of much higher quality than a diode laser - TEM00 with a near perfect Gaussian profile.

The system can easily be mounted on a plastic or wood base with clear Plexiglas cover for display purposes (not included).

Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit:



These are the key parts to construct a 1 or 2 polarized mode frequency stabilized HeNe laser. This includes:
  • Well behaved 4.75 or 6 inch 0.5 to 0.8 mW HeNe laser tube.
  • Thin-film Kapton heater with a resistance of around 16 ohms.
  • HeNe laser power supply brick with ballast resistor and tube mounts with compatible DC wall adapter for laser - styles may vary.
  • 12 VDC wall adapter for heater - styles may vary.  Note: where the HeNe laser power supply also runs on 12 VDC, a single higher current 12 VDC adapter may be provided.
  • Small PBS cube for polarized beam sampling.
  • Pair of small photodiodes for feedback sensing.
A locking controller is NOT included in this kit but an analog controller can be built with as few as a half dozen common electronic components.

For a digital controller, see the info on: "Parts to build Arduino-Based Digital Controller for Stabilized HeNe Laser Kits", below.

The Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometer (SFPI) kit (see) would permit the longitudinal modes of the laser to be displayed in real-time. It would confirm that there are no rogue modes present, and can be used with other lasers with wavelengths in the yellow-red range.

You will need to provide a mounting scheme for the laser tube and associated optics, and wire/cable to complete the electronics - as well as a functioning brain :-) However, unlike the basic stabilized HeNe laser kits in my other listings that do not include a controller, this one is much more complete. General info on home-built stabilized HeNe lasers including complete schematics may be found in Sam's Laser FAQ chapter: Home-Built HeNe laser. (Google will find it.) Only basic mechanical and electronic skills are required to complete the laser. A rudimentary analog stabilized HeNe laser can be completed with fewer than a half dozen additional parts.

Construction guidelines and email tech support will be provided. However, this is NOT a turnkey system. Some assembly is definitely required. The Atmega board will be preloaded with Micro Stabilized Laser 1 (µSLC1) firmware that automagically locks a dual-mode frequency stabilized or single mode intensity stabilized HeNe laser in optical frequency based on a digital control loop using signals from the photodiodes and the heater attached to the tube. Source code is written in C and may be compiled and uploaded to the board using Arduino IDE or UECIDE, among others. The µSLC1 Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) may be used to show laser status, monitor and plot the locking parameters, and save data to a file for analysis of stability and other esoteric stuff, but it is not essential to run the laser. The plot shows the laser just after locking. The Command window of µSLC1 may also be used to modify locking parameters to optimize or screw up performance. :) Documentation and lifetime tech support will be provided. "Lifetime" is defined as either yours or mine, or however long you remain interested in stabilized HeNe lasers, but is assumed to terminate sometime before the Universe ends. ;-) However, there is also a "thesis duration warranty" which states that support will be provided for the duration of your dissertation (or senior project) even if this extends beyond the end of the Universe. ;-) Photos show complete lasers built from parts similar to those in the kit. One is an axial Zeeman two-frequency HeNe laser, but the single or dual mode stabilized HeNe laser could be done in similar manner.  Another one shows a dual mode stabilized HeNe stuffed into the case from a JDSU Novette, about 7 inches in length. Everything is inside except the DC power pack. Constructing ships in bottles is probably less challenging. :-) But these are examples of what's possible with a bit (or more than a bit) of resourcefulness and determination.

This kit is for experimental use - the firmware is not intended for commercial applications, but updates will be available! And minor changes to either the electronics or firmware may be required to lock your specific laser.

All parts are new (NOS) except the HeNe laser tube and HeNe laser power supply brick, which may be used but guaranteed to be healthy.  The tube has been tested to be suitable for use in a stabilized laser (though not necessarily in a Zeeman laser - for that you need one of the Zeeman kits or at least a tube tested to be suitable for Zeeman and a few other parts).

Stabilized+ HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but has a tube with a minimum output power of 0.9 mW.

Stabilized LASOS HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but has a new/NOS 5-1/2 inch long LASOS tube with a minimum output power of 1.1 mW.

Compact Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit:

This is similar to the Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit but with all mounted in an integrated HeNe tube and HeNe laser power supply case.  This eliminates most of the issues of assembling the laser and also provides some degree of protection from the nasty high voltage since there is an optional cover for the anode-end of the tube (not shown):

 

The Compact Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit Includes:
  • Well behaved 6 inch HeNe laser tube with a power output of greater than 0.6 mW.
  • Thin-film Kapton heater with a resistance of around 16 ohms.
  • HeNe laser power supply brick, ballast resistor, and tube mounts that runs on 12 VDC all in a compact housing.
  • 12 VDC wall adapter for laser and heater.
  • Small PBS cube for polarized beam sampling.
  • Pair of small photodiodes for feedback sensing.
A locking controller is NOT included in this kit but an analog controller can be built with as few as a half dozen common electronic components and a version with an Arduino controller is also available.

Compact Stabilized+ HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but the laser tube has a minimum output power of 0.9 mW.

Stabilized Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit:



These are the key parts to construct a Zeeman-split two-frequency stabilized HeNe laser without using ANYTHING designed for them specifically from HP/Agilent, etc., not even the magnet. This includes:

Laser parts:
The locking controller is NOT included in this kit.

For that, see the description for: "Parts to build Arduino-Based Digital Controller for Stabilized HeNe Laser Kits" below.  The option to select is: "Stabilized Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit with Arduino", which includes the Arduino controller kit.

The Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometer (SFPI) kit (see my other listings) would permit the longitudinal modes of the laser to be displayed in real-time. While the SFPI resolution will probably NOT be sufficient to see the individual frequencies of the two-frequency laser, it will confirm that there are no rogue modes present, and can be used with other lasers with wavelengths in the yellow-red range.

Documentation including construction guidelines, and friendly lifetime tech support will be provided. "Lifetime" is defined as either yours, or however long you remain interested in stabilized HeNe lasers, but is assumed to terminate sometime before the Universe ends.

To use these parts for a stabilized two-frequency HeNe Zeeman laser, the HeNe laser tube, along with heater, are installed in the set of magnets arranged around the tube to create an axial magnetic field. 7 strips of 7 magnets each should be sufficient to provide a split frequency of at around 1 MHz (for the 6 inch tubes) and higher for the 4-3/4 inch tubes) if the laser were stabilized at the optimum point. The QWP then converts the circular polarization from the tube inside the magnet to linear polarization in X and Y. A beam sampler can be used to divert a portion of the beam for use for normal 2 mode stabilization. When the difference between the amplitude of the X and Y components is zero and the error signal has the correct polarity, the output will have the Zeeman beat. The locking controller is NOT included in this kit but a very rudimentary one can be constructed with only a few additional discrete electronic components.  For something more polished, see the info on: "Parts to build Arduino-Based Digital Controller for Stabilized HeNe Laser Kits", below.

General info on home-built stabilized HeNe lasers may be found in the Sam's Laser FAQ chapter: Home-Built HeNe laser. (Google will find it.) Only basic mechanical and electronic skills are required to complete the laser. However, this is NOT a turnkey system. Some assembly is definitely required. Email tech support will be provided. Instructions for this kit specifically may be found at: https://www.repairfaq.org/sam/eBay/zeemins3.htm. (The anal eBay police go apoplectic with a direct link so you'll have to copy and paste.) The HeNe laser tube may be used but is guaranteed to be healthy and tested to be suitable for use in an axial Zeeman stabilized laser. Specific models of parts may vary depending on availability and are fully tested prior to shipping As noted, assembly guidelines will be provided. However, this is NOT a Heathkit? - some creativity (including scrounging ability) will be required to complete this successfully. This would make a nice term project if combined with an application or research activity.

Much more information on stabilized HeNe lasers may be found in the chapter: "Stabilized HeNe Lasers" of Sam's Laser FAQ. There may be a delay in shipping since some of the parts need to be ordered from suppliers if more than one of these is purchased. I will advise on the anticipated ETA in that case.

Stabilized+ Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but has a minimum output power of at least 0.7 mW.

Stabilized++ Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but has a minimum output power of at least 1.0 mW.

Note that a higher power laser tube generally results in a lower split frequency at the same magnetic field as well as a lower maximum split frequency limited by the onset of rogue modes.

Compact Stabilized+ Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit:


This is similar to the Stabilized+ Zeeman HeNe Laser Kit but with the tube, heater, and magnets mounted in a small case with built-in power supply.  This eliminates most of the issues of assembling the laser and also provides some degree of protection from the nasty high voltage since there is an optional cover for the anode-end of the tube.  The only downside to this setup is that fitting as many magnets in is a challenge so the maximum Zeeman split frequency may be slightly lower.  Typical is 0.7 MHz.
 
High Power Zygo Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit:



These are the key parts to construct a 1 or 2 polarized mode frequency stabilized HeNe laser. The primary benefit of the High Power Stabilized HeNe Laser kit is that the output power of the laser when locked is typically 3 to 4 times that of the tube in the standard kit. This should be capable of more than 1.25 mW in a single frequency/single mode in the locked state, which is similar to that of commercial stabilized HeNes available today.

This kit includes:
The styles of these parts may vary - the photos are typical. Specifically, the HeNe brick and power pack for it may be a different style. Specific styles of parts may vary - the photos are typical. A stabilized HeNe laser using these parts should be capable of a single frequency locked output power of 1.5-2 mW with similar performance to that of a $4,500 commercial system. A suitable controller will be required which can be constructed from scratch, or repurposed from a commercial system. The tube appears to be new/NOS or has seen very little use, starts instantly, has a low dropout current, and no visible bore crud. It is from/for a commercial stabilized HeNe laser but the specific model is not known. The DC wall adapter is new. The power supply is used but has been tested for several hours.

The locking controller is NOT included.

For that, see the info on: "Parts to build Arduino-Based Digital Controller for Stabilized HeNe Laser Kits", below.

Much more information on Stabilized HeNe lasers may be found in Sam's Laser FAQ. If you have no idea what this is, you probably don't need one! :) It's a bit overpriced for a laser lamp.

Returns will be accepted only if everything is in identical condition to how it was received, or if incorrect parts were sent by mistake.

Higher Power Zygo Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit:

Similar to above but the output power of the tube is >3.5 mW.

High Power REO Stabilized HeNe Laser Kit:


  

This substitutes a Research Electro-Optics (REO) HeNe laser tube with a power output of 2.5 to >3.0 mW for the Zygo laser tube. The REO tube is quite funky with two (2) HR mirrors and a rare earth ring magnet to lock the polarization axes to the tube in a specific orientation.  It also has a thin-film Kapton heater with a resistance of 12 ohms already attached (so no step-down converter is required).  However, the waste beam is too weak to be usable for feedback. This is also available installed in the original aluminum cylinder, with short Alden cable and mating connector as shown in the right-hand photo, which makes it more convenient for mounting and avoids most issues with shocking experiences.  Either in the cylinder or bare upon request at the same price.  The cylinder version is recommended.  Both include the PBS, photodiodes, beam sampler, and piece of linear polarizer sheet.  Note: Some of these tubes are slow to start.

Parts to build Arduino-Based Digital Controller for Stabilized HeNe Laser Kits:



This is included in all of the stabilized kits with Arduino.  It can also be purchased separately.

This adds parts to build an Arduino-based digital controller for any of the stabilized HeNe laser kits above to enable them to be used in an interferometer for precision measurement, wavelength reference, and similar applications.

The Arduino-based µSLC1 controller consists of:
  • Atmega 328 Nano 3.0 Arduino compatible microprocessor board with the latest µSLC1 firmware preloaded.
  • Short (8 inch to 3 foot, my choice) USB A male to USB male Mini B cable
  • A BLANK Rev 1.1 µSLC1 PCB.
  • Most other parts to construct a digital controller - socket, LEDs, resistors, connectors, etc.
  • 12 VDC wall adapter for controller - styles may vary (not shown).
  • Links to µSLC1 GUI, firmware, and assembly and operation manual.
A photo shows my prototype controller constructed on a solderless breadboard but using a PCB is much more reliable.  Solderless breadboards are readily available if desired.  A BLANK PCB Rev 1.1 will also be included.  The completed controller using the PCB is shown in another photo.

Displacements and other measurements down to nanometer resolution can be achieved using one of the stabilized Zeeman lasers in a heterodyne interferometer and the µMD1 or µMD2 Micro Measurement Display, or using one of the single frequency stabilized HeNe lasers with µMD0 or µMD2.  (See my other listings.)

The Atmega board will be preloaded with Micro Stabilized Laser 1 (µSLC1) firmware that automagically locks a dual-mode frequency stabilized (normal, axial, or transverse Zeeman) or single mode intensity stabilized HeNe laser in optical frequency based on a digital control loop using signals from the photodiodes and the heater attached to the tube. Source code is written in C and may be compiled and uploaded to the board using the Arduino IDE or UECIDE, among others. The µSLC1 Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) may be used to show laser status, monitor and plot the locking parameters, display the REF frequency, and save data to a file for analysis of stability and other esoteric stuff, but it is not essential to run the laser. The plot in the photo shows a similar laser at the end of warmup and then just after locking. The Command window of µSLC1 may also be used to modify locking parameters to optimize or screw up performance. :) The system may be run stand-alone once it has been tested. A photo shows the prototype axial Zeeman laser built from parts similar to those in the kit. This is as an example of what's possible with a bit of resourcefulness and determination. The diagrams above show the hookup for powering the tube itself and the general scheme used for stabilization . Detailed instructions may be found at repairfaq.org/sam/manuals/.

Thanks for looking at all these!

Note that where a AC line voltage input is required, kits sent to international destinations will be compatible with 100-250 VAC BUT the plug will be a US plug if part of the adapter.  If it takes a detachable cord, there will be none since it won't fit your AC socket!

International shipping via the eBay Global Shipping Program.  If your country isn't included, contact me for alternatives.

--- sam