Having experienced the UKLEM I realise I have a HUGE amount to learn and think I would like to start with optical components.

I don't have loads of money but would like to know what bits and pieces I should start playing with and whether there is a standard kit available.

I was thinking of wave plates, PBSs, dichros, steering mirrors, various prisms for beam correction, splitting and knife-edging and maybe some collimators and beam expanders.

I'm guessing all this will add up to a tidy sum but as it's for the learning process, maybe seconds would do the trick?

What other things would you recommend?

Has anyone got any damaged bits and bobs that may help in my quest for lasery knowledge?

Thanks
Keith