Driving two 2p scopes with a single 2p laser

[Arvydas Matiukas]

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Dear list.

I have couple questions how to optimize Chameleon 2p laser
usage between two systems (LSM510 NLO and Thorlabs-Nikon).
Originally the laser was coupled to LSM510, and recently Torlabs added
beamsplitter at the output of the laser.

1. LSM 510 still has primary control of the laser, and if LSM software
is started/closed it resets wavelength and shutter. If I disconnect laser
control cable this generates error messages. Please suggest more
efficient Chameleon control scheme.

2. How to estimate Chameleon maintenance costs that the two systems
have to share? So far the laser has been running fine for 5000hrs, and we are
off service contract.  My rough estimate is that soon the laser quite likely
will need  >$32K factory refurbishment so minimum self-cost of the
usage is ~$6/hr. Please share your experience what is the long term
cost of 2p laser maintenance.

Any thougths/feedback is very welcome.

Thanks,
Arvydas







Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility
Department of Pharmacology
SUNY Upstate Medical University
766 Irving Ave., WH 3159
Syracuse, NY 13210
tel.: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [hidden email]

[Craig Brideau]

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If you can insert a half-waveplate and polarizing splitter cube between the
laser and LSM510 hardware you can rotate the waveplate to tap off a portion
of the laser's power.  This is going to depend on how much access you have
to the laser and your comfort level of working with such lasers.

Craig


On Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 3:26 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]>wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Dear list.
>
> I have couple questions how to optimize Chameleon 2p laser
> usage between two systems (LSM510 NLO and Thorlabs-Nikon).
> Originally the laser was coupled to LSM510, and recently Torlabs added
> beamsplitter at the output of the laser.
>
> 1. LSM 510 still has primary control of the laser, and if LSM software
> is started/closed it resets wavelength and shutter. If I disconnect laser
> control cable this generates error messages. Please suggest more
> efficient Chameleon control scheme.
>
> 2. How to estimate Chameleon maintenance costs that the two systems
> have to share? So far the laser has been running fine for 5000hrs, and we
> are
> off service contract.  My rough estimate is that soon the laser quite
> likely
> will need  >$32K factory refurbishment so minimum self-cost of the
> usage is ~$6/hr. Please share your experience what is the long term
> cost of 2p laser maintenance.
>
> Any thougths/feedback is very welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Arvydas
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility
> Department of Pharmacology
> SUNY Upstate Medical University
> 766 Irving Ave., WH 3159
> Syracuse, NY 13210
> tel.: [phone]
> fax: [phone]
> email: [hidden email]
>

[Armstrong, Brian]

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Hi, we have a similar set-up and saved ourselves a large number of headaches by operating the LASER from its own computer. You can run the Coherent software with spectrometer and control it nicely (installation CD should be with the LASER). This way when someone turns off the LSM510 system it does not automatically turn of the LASER to the other user.
The percent power to each scope is controlled by the polarizing beam splitter. You can split it 50/50 or anything you like. You may want a rees spectrometer to check the power etc.. Perhaps you could get your local Coherent service rep to help you?

Cheers,  

Brian Armstrong PhD
Assistant Research Professor
Director, Light Microscopy Core Facility
Beckman Research Institute
City of Hope
626-256-4673 x62872

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 2:27 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Driving two 2p scopes with a single 2p laser

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Dear list.

I have couple questions how to optimize Chameleon 2p laser usage between two systems (LSM510 NLO and Thorlabs-Nikon).
Originally the laser was coupled to LSM510, and recently Torlabs added beamsplitter at the output of the laser.

1. LSM 510 still has primary control of the laser, and if LSM software is started/closed it resets wavelength and shutter. If I disconnect laser control cable this generates error messages. Please suggest more efficient Chameleon control scheme.

2. How to estimate Chameleon maintenance costs that the two systems have to share? So far the laser has been running fine for 5000hrs, and we are off service contract.  My rough estimate is that soon the laser quite likely will need  >$32K factory refurbishment so minimum self-cost of the usage is ~$6/hr. Please share your experience what is the long term cost of 2p laser maintenance.

Any thougths/feedback is very welcome.

Thanks,
Arvydas







Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility Department of Pharmacology SUNY Upstate Medical University
766 Irving Ave., WH 3159
Syracuse, NY 13210
tel.: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [hidden email]


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[Arvydas Matiukas]

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Brian,
 
Thanks for the smart suggestion. Now I recall once looking at the spectrometer
software but did not get impression that it does more than that.
 
Many people seem not to be getting the point that the Chameleon power is already split
and  drives two 2p scopes. The problem is only with coordinating the laser control
between the two scopes.
 
Best wishes,
Arvydas

>>> "Armstrong, Brian" <[hidden email]> 10/29/2012 2:37 PM >>>
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Hi, we have a similar set-up and saved ourselves a large number of headaches by operating the LASER from its own computer. You can run the Coherent software with spectrometer and control it nicely (installation CD should be with the LASER). This way when someone turns off the LSM510 system it does not automatically turn of the LASER to the other user.
The percent power to each scope is controlled by the polarizing beam splitter. You can split it 50/50 or anything you like. You may want a rees spectrometer to check the power etc.. Perhaps you could get your local Coherent service rep to help you?

Cheers,  

Brian Armstrong PhD
Assistant Research Professor
Director, Light Microscopy Core Facility
Beckman Research Institute
City of Hope
626-256-4673 x62872

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 2:27 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Driving two 2p scopes with a single 2p laser

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy 
*****

Dear list.

I have couple questions how to optimize Chameleon 2p laser usage between two systems (LSM510 NLO and Thorlabs-Nikon).
Originally the laser was coupled to LSM510, and recently Torlabs added beamsplitter at the output of the laser.

1. LSM 510 still has primary control of the laser, and if LSM software is started/closed it resets wavelength and shutter. If I disconnect laser control cable this generates error messages. Please suggest more efficient Chameleon control scheme.

2. How to estimate Chameleon maintenance costs that the two systems have to share? So far the laser has been running fine for 5000hrs, and we are off service contract.  My rough estimate is that soon the laser quite likely will need  >$32K factory refurbishment so minimum self-cost of the usage is ~$6/hr. Please share your experience what is the long term cost of 2p laser maintenance.

Any thougths/feedback is very welcome.

Thanks,
Arvydas







Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility Department of Pharmacology SUNY Upstate Medical University
766 Irving Ave., WH 3159
Syracuse, NY 13210
tel.: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [hidden email]


---------------------------------------------------------------------
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This message and any attachments are intended solely for the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or exempt from disclosure under applicable law (e.g., personal health information, research data, financial information). Because this e-mail has been sent without encryption, individuals other than the intended recipient may be able to view the information, forward it to others or tamper with the information without the knowledge or consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you received the communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting the message and any accompanying files from your system. If, due to the security risks, you do not wish to receive further communications via e-mail, please reply to this message and inform the sender that you do not wish to receive further e-mail from the sender. (fpc5p)
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[Craig Brideau]

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*****

If you use one computer as Brian suggested, you can run the Chameleon
software to tune the laser, but I see now that you will still need power
sharing control.  Motorizing a half-waveplate will allow software control
over the amount of power routed to each `scope.  You can either manually
rotate the waveplate with a joystick-like control, or write software to
control the waveplate position.  I use Labview and Thorlabs' APT line of
control software for doing a similar job in our own lab.

Craig



On Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]>wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Brian,
>
> Thanks for the smart suggestion. Now I recall once looking at the
> spectrometer
> software but did not get impression that it does more than that.
>
> Many people seem not to be getting the point that the Chameleon power is
> already split
> and  drives two 2p scopes. The problem is only with coordinating the laser
> control
> between the two scopes.
>
> Best wishes,
> Arvydas
>
> >>> "Armstrong, Brian" <[hidden email]> 10/29/2012 2:37 PM >>>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hi, we have a similar set-up and saved ourselves a large number of
> headaches by operating the LASER from its own computer. You can run the
> Coherent software with spectrometer and control it nicely (installation CD
> should be with the LASER). This way when someone turns off the LSM510
> system it does not automatically turn of the LASER to the other user.
> The percent power to each scope is controlled by the polarizing beam
> splitter. You can split it 50/50 or anything you like. You may want a rees
> spectrometer to check the power etc.. Perhaps you could get your local
> Coherent service rep to help you?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brian Armstrong PhD
> Assistant Research Professor
> Director, Light Microscopy Core Facility
> Beckman Research Institute
> City of Hope
> 626-256-4673 x62872
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
> On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 2:27 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Driving two 2p scopes with a single 2p laser
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Dear list.
>
> I have couple questions how to optimize Chameleon 2p laser usage between
> two systems (LSM510 NLO and Thorlabs-Nikon).
> Originally the laser was coupled to LSM510, and recently Torlabs added
> beamsplitter at the output of the laser.
>
> 1. LSM 510 still has primary control of the laser, and if LSM software is
> started/closed it resets wavelength and shutter. If I disconnect laser
> control cable this generates error messages. Please suggest more efficient
> Chameleon control scheme.
>
> 2. How to estimate Chameleon maintenance costs that the two systems have
> to share? So far the laser has been running fine for 5000hrs, and we are
> off service contract.  My rough estimate is that soon the laser quite
> likely will need  >$32K factory refurbishment so minimum self-cost of the
> usage is ~$6/hr. Please share your experience what is the long term cost of
> 2p laser maintenance.
>
> Any thougths/feedback is very welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Arvydas
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Imaging Core Facility Department of
> Pharmacology SUNY Upstate Medical University
> 766 Irving Ave., WH 3159
> Syracuse, NY 13210
> tel.: [phone]
> fax: [phone]
> email: [hidden email]
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> *SECURITY/CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING:
> This message and any attachments are intended solely for the individual or
> entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain
> information that is privileged, confidential, or exempt from disclosure
> under applicable law (e.g., personal health information, research data,
> financial information). Because this e-mail has been sent without
> encryption, individuals other than the intended recipient may be able to
> view the information, forward it to others or tamper with the information
> without the knowledge or consent of the sender. If you are not the intended
> recipient, or the employee or person responsible for delivering the message
> to the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of
> the communication is strictly prohibited. If you received the communication
> in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message
> and deleting the message and any accompanying files from your system. If,
> due to the security risks, you do not wish to receive further
> communications via e-mail, please reply to this message and inform the
> sender that you do not wish to receive further e-mail from the sender.
> (fpc5p)
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>