Old Laser Interferometer

[Eidetic]

Here's an old laser interferometer made around 1969 I think, by Perkin-Elmer. It's the model INF-1 he-ne, featuring a prism assembly on the output end to combine a reference signal with that returned from a retroreflector, an input aperture for the return beam, and two detectors with their associated electronics. I believe this is a stabilized laser used with a homodyne system introduced by P-E in 1968, and make obsolete by heterodyne systems based on Zeeman split lasers by Hewlett-Packard in 1970 and eventually Zygo. Probably why P-E got out of commercial lasers in the early '70s.

[Jem]

Cool Bob. It's a pity there isn't a 'Like' button on the forum, cause I really don't have anything to say apart from it looks a really cool bit of 'old skool' kit

[Eidetic]

Thanks Jeremy. I realize that my posts of vintage lasers are somewhat out of place on this forum, and don't expect much in response. The only alternative is LPF and well, you know, with the average age there being 18, they're even less enthusiastic about the past. I suppose these blurbs about old equipment might find an audience in the OSA or SPIE, but those groups don't do social media as far as I know, where pictures could be posted that would be searchable on the internet. Eventually the collection will be on a proper web site, but until then, I really appreciate everyone here for tolerating my slightly off topic ramblings about things only a very few will recognize.

[polishedball]

Thanks Jeremy. I realize that my posts of vintage lasers are somewhat out of place on this forum, and don't expect much in response. The only alternative is LPF and well, you know, with the average age there being 18, they're even less enthusiastic about the past. I suppose these blurbs about old equipment might find an audience in the OSA or SPIE, but those groups don't do social media as far as I know, where pictures could be posted that would be searchable on the internet. Eventually the collection will be on a proper web site, but until then, I really appreciate everyone here for tolerating my slightly off topic ramblings about things only a very few will recognize.

I enjoy all the olds bits ya post about and collect. Keep it up please.

[Jem]

There's probably more here that appreciate this 'old stuff' than you realise Bob. I think it's wonderful that you're preserving this stuff for future generations, and I love seeing the history and quite often the stories surrounding it all. Don't ever stop posting it, please

Cheers

Jem

Thanks Jeremy. I realize that my posts of vintage lasers are somewhat out of place on this forum, and don't expect much in response. The only alternative is LPF and well, you know, with the average age there being 18, they're even less enthusiastic about the past. I suppose these blurbs about old equipment might find an audience in the OSA or SPIE, but those groups don't do social media as far as I know, where pictures could be posted that would be searchable on the internet. Eventually the collection will be on a proper web site, but until then, I really appreciate everyone here for tolerating my slightly off topic ramblings about things only a very few will recognize.

[Draco]

I love the pic of the older stuff you post as well, i like to see how this tech evolves as time goes on and these should be preserved just as old records and toys, cars...ext, I still mow my lawn with a gas powered lawn mower from the late 1930's , it's even self propelled but it's a rotary style and will eat anything in front of it, it looks like something out of a horror flick