Selection Guide

Lasers
To make the best informed choice, see the table below. It lists laser education applications and the best laser choice for a particular use. The top row lists all of our major laser product categories. In general, Helium-Neon (He-Ne) lasers are the preferred choice if you require long coherence length and wavelength stability for optical interformetric experiments. Diode lasers are the best choice for communications experiments.
Experiments/Model | IF-RL | IF-VL | IF-UL | IF-HN | IF-HNM* |
Type | Diode | Diode | Diode | He-Ne | Helium-Neon Modulated |
Refraction & Reflection | $ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ |
Lens | $ | $$ | $$ | $ | $ |
Beam Convergence Divergence | $ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ |
Diffraction | N/R | N/R | N/R | $ | $$ |
Polarization | Linear polarization | Linear polarization | Linear polarization | Random polarization | Random polarization |
Holography | N/R | N/R | N/R | $ | $$ |
Perimeter Security | $ | $$ | $$ | $** | $$** |
Light Shows | $ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ |
Voice Communications | $ | N/R | $$ Most versatile | N/S | $ |
Baseband Video Transmission | N/S | $ | N/S | N/S | N/S |
RF Video Transmission | N/S | N/S | Best choice | N/S | N/S |
$ Best laser value for the application
$$ Laser is well suited to application, but other, lower priced, alternatives exist
N/S Not suitable
N/R Not recommended for holography and diffraction experience
* HNM - HE-Ne Laser - Modulated
** The higher the laser's power, the quicker the exposure

Laser Receivers
Industrial Fiber Optics manufactures laser receivers specifically designed to decode information transmitted via laser beams, which then convert that information to electrical or audible forms. With so many lasers on the market today, determining which receiver one should purchase for a particular application can be frustrating. See the table below it lists the receiver applications and the best receiver choice for a particular use.
Application | Stock No. | Component Compatibility | Comments |
Voice or Audio (only) |
IF 513 | Suitable for use with any diode or helium neon laser made by the following companies: Elanco, Fisher Scientific, Heath Kit, Industrial Fiber Optics (IFO), Meredith Instruments, Metrologic and Scientific Laser Connection (SLC). | Receiver only. Also sold as packages with microphones. See Laser Accessories section. |
Speed of Light Measurement |
IF LSL-SA1 | For use with the IF VL series of diode lasers. | Receiver included in the Laser Speed of Light Kit (IF LSL-1). Also is a replacement for Metrologic Instruments' Laser Speed of Light/Audio Kit Part No. 45-720. |
NTSC or Composite Video |
IF VR | Can be used with any Industrial Fiber Optics or Scientific Laser Connection "Video Laser". |
Used with RCA jacks on TVs and VCRs and receives on color video. |
RF Video | IF VR2 | For use with Industrial Fiber Optics WBS laser only (Part No. IF UL-08-635). |
Used for reception of TV picture and sound over a single laser beam. |