Bell Labs Trade Show Demo of First He-Ne

[Eidetic]

Been a while since I've posted about an old laser, so here it is. This one's different though. It's a demonstration model of the first gas laser made by Bell Labs in 1960. Probably made in 1966 by Bell Labs for a trade show, this device features a cut-away section showing the rear mirror mount design, an operational red-tinted neon tube in the center, and a flashlight bulb mounted in the output mirror mount. There's a focusable insert for the output mirror mount that holds a lens and red filter, to make a simulated red spot of light at some distance. So, not a laser but a wonderful addition representing the very first He-Ne laser built. It comes to me via Sam Goldwasser and Phil Bergeron.

[Eidetic]

Heard from Jason Sapan at his Holographic Studios in NYC today, with information about this device. His father worked for the company that built these demonstration exhibits for Bell Labs in the '60s. He remembers having this one (or another just like it) in his home around 1965. It had a tag with it saying "Laser Kit #4" originally. It may have been one of at least that many demonstration devices sent out to representatives around the country in the very early days, as opposed to being for a particular trade show.

[dnar]

That is sweet. What a treasure.

[142laser]

It was real fun buying it and then teasing Bob with pictures of it "working". The machine work is very nice and it belongs in his collection! best, Phil and Sam