Is the laser suppose to do this?

[ciberbob]

Hi,
This is the laser tube i received with my K40...
I don't think it suppose to do that...or is it? (Hitting the metal tube in front of the lens)

(See pic)

Thank you!

Olivier

[Tech_Marco]

Usually some 'plasma' in pink/purple color may occur at the end of the output side (Negative) of a laser tube. But it usually happened before the far end of the metal ring or inside of it. In your case (can't see the picture clear as I'm not sure which part it happened to and some moist is blocking the view), the color of the plasma is in BLUE which is usually caused by leaking. Well, you need to compare the color of the plasma that is running in the tube. If the color of both are the same, I guess it is OK. But if the plasma is in pink color and that spot is in blue, then it means that the tube is leaking or cracked.

You may get a piece of wire and make sure it ground it well. Then place it closer to that spot see if you get any blue plasma attracted to the wire. It may tell a little bit if the tube is cracked. Use a current meter to observe if any current change while you're doing that


Marco

[ciberbob]

Marco,
It looks like the beam is hitting the metal sleeve, and not center to the mirror.

Olivier