[Laser] Lenses?

[Kerry Banke]

Another place that looks interesting that i'm about to try is Anchor
optical surplus  (http://www.anchoroptical.com/disclaimer.cfm).  They have
a huge selection of lenses but do charge $6-$8.50 or so per lense but looks
great if you need for something specific.  I'm in the process of building
additional beam expanders for my laser pointer communicators and need
specific lenses to get about what I want to try.  Don't forget that the
beam is expanded by the amount of magnification or ratio of the focal
lengths so that is what you need to consider when gathering lenses. My
experience so far is that for practical playing around, a beam expander of
about X5 is a good number.  This is still pointable with a very stable
tripod and micrometer positioning setup.  I have a X12 which is a real kick
to play with as it delivers an amazing 4' spot at 15 miles but is very
difficult to keep on target as the mechanics of my pointing  system changes
with temperature. Just for reference, the X5 unit I'm currently playing
with produces about a 3/4 inch expanded beam using a 1" FL ense and a 5" FL
lense .  The X12 expander has about a 2" beam and uses a 1" and 12" FL
lenses.  
 - Kerry N6IZW -

At 01:19 AM 3/15/02 -0500, you wrote:
>
>Surplus Shed www.surplushed.com
>Lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, prisms, you name it. Great prices and 
>quality. You'll feel like a kid in a candy store. Everything Edmund's used 
>to be but isn't anymore...
>
>73, Jon W2MXW
>