I'm running the latest version of Forge and IC2 experimental. I re downloaded both of those just in case. The only other mods I'm using are buildcraft and Blood Magic (I tried it with both of them uninstalled)
I've tried a few different recipes I've seen online, including a version with two red stone, or a version with two of the energy crystals. I've also tried a very old version using glowstone and a stick.
Nothing seems I do seems to make the laser I've been enjoying IC2 VERY much and I'm eager to bring all my progress to fruition, of course the laser is a prereq for a lot of great stuff. Thanks for the great mod, and thanks for your help.