It consists of a high quality hard seal 4-3/4 inch by 0.9 inch HeNe laser tube producing between 0.5 and 0.8 mW and partially potted power supply, both from Spectra-Physics. The tube has normal metal mirror mounts and cathode-end output.
The power supply is a strange shape, a tapered flattened cylinder, mostly copper foil covered, but with some of the low voltage circuitry exposed. The output is set at 3 mA for the Spectra-Physics 007 4-3/4 inch tube. It might drive common 6 inch tubes but no guarantees since their operating voltage is probably higher and they typically want 3.3 mA. The input connections are via a 7 pin header with pin 1 on the right facing the unit:
If pin 3 is grounded and pin 2 is pulled to +6 VDC through a 1K ohm resistor (required to prevent smoke), the tube will start when power is applied. Pin 3 may then be used to turn the laser on (ground) and off (+6 VDC or floating).
The anode connects to the foil-wrapped fat yellow wire which exits from the potted unit and includes the required 100K ohm ballast resistor. The cathode connection is via a black wire which also exits from the potted unit.
The extra connectors and wiring may be included (not all of these came with everything), though there is no need to retain most of it. There may also be a pushbutton switch that was used to turn the laser on and off (on when pushed).
You will need a 6 VDC power supply capable of 1 A. 4 D cells should work fine. The anode and cathode leads from the power supply are terminated in ring lugs. Sorry, I don't have any clips to fit the tube so you'll have to use some bare wire.
Although the power supply as shipped may be quite ugly, removing the copper foil and extra wires can turn it into a very cute and compact rig as shown below.
