Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

New Products as well as used products. Please list your un-needed equipment here so we can keep it in the family.
142laser

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by 142laser »

Hi,
I have for sale a Tropel model 280 laser collimator with spatial filter. The optics are clean and the pinhole is in perfect condition. I believe it is 8 microns but am not 100% sure. I don't have a manual. This item appears like new and I can get a nice clean beam out of it with a Coherent 315M. This is a super nice unit at about 1/2 of what they cost on e Bay. See e Bay listing #330417949995 for a picture of an identical unit. $500 including shipping to the USA,
First to ask and pay gets it. Phil 142laser (813) 974-2378 (work) (813) 996-5114 (home)
Ed Wesly

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by Ed Wesly »

What's the size of the output beam? 25, 50 mm or more?
142laser

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by 142laser »

Hi Ed,
The output beam is slightly divergent; maybe ~1.5 cm at the exit? It is ~15 cm at 30 feet. the diffraction pattern is clean and circular so that should mean the pinhole is OK. I cannot get decent throughput...about 15% max. Specs are 90% so I assume either the objective is wrong for the small pinhole or a coarse focus is off. I have NO idea how to open it and/or adjust that. The Z axis seems to work great (very, very fancy) but has insufficient range.

Do you have time to check it out? If you want it the price will be $400; you figure out the throughput focusing issue. The pinhole and optics are perfect. Your opinion? I will ship it on my dollar if you are really interested. No risk for you. Best. :)
dave battin

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by dave battin »

Phil am i missing somthing here? try running a hene thru it............

i am not familiar with this unit , is a photo possible ?
142laser

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by 142laser »

I ran both a HeNe and the 315M through it. The beam looks good but it is clipping the pinhole. The Z axis cannot reach focus at the pinhole plane or the lens is the wrong power for the pinhole (same thing but not easily fixible) . I have no manual. Ed is the man; he is real pro at lasers, optics and holography. You know who he used to set up optics for right? :) I need a manual...or $400 from a friend. :) I offered Ed a shot; if he passes you are welcome to try.
BobH

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by BobH »

If it's identical to the one on ebay, it's very cool. :dance: If nobody else wants to figure it out, I'll give it a shot! I could never figure out where those were used. Seems to belong to the period before steel top optical tables. But it's got a classical look to it, especially with a weathered wood box.
142laser

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by 142laser »

Hi Bob,
This is a small one; not the monsters on e bay but the same model. The output lens assembly depends on the expansion ratio; this may have been a 10X unit. I need a manual or a buyer who can figure the isue out and resolve it. :) The pinhole may be very small. Phil

See e bay listing 330417949995 for a photo of an identical unit. No wooden box.
Ed Wesly

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by Ed Wesly »

It's up for grabs, I will pass on it. I have a Spectra-Physics spatial filter with diffraction-limited 50 and 25 mm diameter output attachments, so this piece would be redundant.

So someone else can have some fun with it!
142laser

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by 142laser »

OK Ed, no problem. Does anyone have a manual? Tropel model 280 or 261 soatial filter. There should be a coarse fucus adjustment somewhere...:) It looks new and the opticas and pinhole are perfect so how can the throughput be so poor unless the pinhole is really, really small. :) Phil
BobH

Tropel Model 280 Laser Collimator with Spatial Filter

Post by BobH »

I looked at those pics. That looks like a spatial filter in a collimator's holder. You're certain that you're sending your beam into a small diameter lens, right? Not hitting the pinhole first. Could be that the Z-axis adjustment might be way inside the focus. Do you turn the large knurled end cap to adjust focus? Might want to try a beam of larger diameter for the input.
Locked