Very Old Ruby Laser Head

[Eidetic]

Here's one that's got me and Phil Bergeron stumped. It's what looks to me like a very old ruby laser component. Maybe a stand-alone head, but possibly a component (amplifier pump chamber?) of a huge old laser. Obviously made to accommodate a rod with angled ends, the rod and flow tube can be rotated into alignment by the knob on the front that drives both ends together. There's also a handle on top, telling me it was made for fast replacement in the system. The top reflector, rod, and side panels are missing, but still a classy display piece kindly donated to the VLA by Phil.

[NobleGas]

Fascinating! What are the clear tubes around the ends of the flashlamp? They look as if they have fluid in them, but guess it's bubbles in the material of the tube.

[buffo]

Maybe di-electric oil to insulate the HV from the metal supports?

Adam