Where to source optics components, lenses, mirrors, prisms etc?

[Alexei.Polkhanov]

As many people here I often use suppliers like DigiKey, Mouser, TestEquity to source my electronic components but I am trying to find similar kind of supplier for optics, lenses, mirrors, prisms and other stuff like that.

Can anyone suggest good supplier for optics from personal experience?

[rx8pilot]

http://www.edmundoptics.com/
http://www.thorlabs.us/index.cfm

What are you looking to do?

[Alexei.Polkhanov]

I am trying to finish TOF laser range meter project that I started some time ago. I want to try something different and for that I need semi-transparent mirror/beam splitter.

Also I want to build ring laser gyroscope on solid state laser. Not sure it is really feasible as semi-hobby project but from what I gathered it is not very hard if I can find right components.( Kind of like this but not with HENe laser: http://www.photonics.ld-didactic.com/Educational%20Kits/P5885.html )

[Wim_L]

Thorlabs or Edmund will certainly have the kinds of beam splitter and any other optics you need.

The solid state ring laser will be more challenging. You can't just dump any kind of solid state laser into those. The usual assembled solid state laser modules will certainly not work (though they could be used as a pump source) because they are only open from one side. You need an active lasing element that can be integrated into the ring. For example, see the diagram in this paper: http://www.congrexprojects.com/custom/icso/2012/papers/FP_ICSO-119.pdf

[Alexei.Polkhanov]

Thorlabs or Edmund will certainly have the kinds of beam splitter and any other optics you need.

The solid state ring laser will be more challenging. You can't just dump any kind of solid state laser into those. The usual assembled solid state laser modules will certainly not work (though they could be used as a pump source) because they are only open from one side. You need an active lasing element that can be integrated into the ring. For example, see the diagram in this paper: http://www.congrexprojects.com/custom/icso/2012/papers/FP_ICSO-119.pdf

I have looked at this document actually, but red it thoroughly only now.
I started thinking maybe HeNe tube really better, verified solution especially since I have very limited experience. I found something that may work - it looks like this is the right kind with two ends.
(http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HeNe-laser-tube-power-0-8mW-150mmx26mm-length-x-diameter/630588961.html)