Some people always think the first thing to do is buy the book....and shes right, and way over my head.
As for my goals...simple...I would like to learn about lasers.....the smaller the better. Most of the project, cooling system, vacuum pump, gas flow system, are things I have from other projects and would be the same if I decide to go larger later.
My main concern is the power supply. While I understand that there are many variables such as temp. or pressure that apply, I was hoping for a more rule of thumb on tube size/ power.
I'm aware that a TEA design would reduce power demands but it would make the tube a lot harder to build.
I have some larger power supplies but I don't have the diodes I would need to covert them to DC and was hoping not to have to build that too.
I have a 5.4kV 0.22mA D.C. power supply from something else and was wondering if I could make a small enough tube and put it under enough vacuum if it would work?
While the whole ideal of this is to learn, It would take me too much time too work out XITTENN's equation ...I'm not sure where to apply the variables. I'm not worried about efficiency or building the perfect model at this point.
As for how much power I would like to make...is 5 watts enough to burn paper held in front of a good lens?
How long do I want it to last?....well a 5 watt laser is good for nothing, so that,s not a problem. I am going with the flowing gas design but that is because I'm not sure I can seal a vacuum tube.
I understand that you have to watch what you say here, but the internet and ebay has made it so that anyone could build one of these with tubes made in China, someone coming here is looking for more than just a working unit.