Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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Knecht, David Knecht, David
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Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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The argon laser on our Nikon A1R died yesterday and I am considering getting a refurbished laser to replace it myself since we are not on a service contract.  The actual physical job of removal and replacement of the laser looks pretty simple because the laser box is external and appears to be held in by several screws.  I am not sure how complex the alignment would be or if one can expect that the alignment will be set reasonably close by the placement of the laser box.  Has anyone attempted this themselves and if so can you suggest if it is a reasonable project to undertake?  Thanks- Dave

David Knecht, Ph.D.
Professor and Head of Microscopy Facility
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
U-3125
91 N. Eagleville Rd.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-2200
860-486-4331 (fax)
Craig Brideau Craig Brideau
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Re: Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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I have done this with the 638 line, and it takes some fiddling but it is
possible for mere mortals to do. One key point is to make sure the exit
port of the new laser is at the same location as the old one. If you get an
identical replacement this should not be an issue. There are pointing
optics in the LU that will need to be nudged to get good coupling into the
launch fiber. Be very sure to only touch optics the Argon passes through or
you will throw off the alignment of the other lines. One final caution is
that the Argon passes through an AOM for control. This may need to be
recalibrated to properly modulate the lines but you might be OK if you can
match the original alignment closely enough.  As always, practice
appropriate eye safety when working with lasers.

Craig
On 2013-12-05 9:39 AM, "Knecht, David" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> The argon laser on our Nikon A1R died yesterday and I am considering
> getting a refurbished laser to replace it myself since we are not on a
> service contract.  The actual physical job of removal and replacement of
> the laser looks pretty simple because the laser box is external and appears
> to be held in by several screws.  I am not sure how complex the alignment
> would be or if one can expect that the alignment will be set reasonably
> close by the placement of the laser box.  Has anyone attempted this
> themselves and if so can you suggest if it is a reasonable project to
> undertake?  Thanks- Dave
>
> David Knecht, Ph.D.
> Professor and Head of Microscopy Facility
> Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
> U-3125
> 91 N. Eagleville Rd.
> University of Connecticut
> Storrs, CT 06269
> 860-486-2200
> 860-486-4331 (fax)
>
Christian Elowsky Christian Elowsky
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Re: Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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I would suggest looking at a solid state 488 laser instead.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Knecht, David
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 8:08 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
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The argon laser on our Nikon A1R died yesterday and I am considering getting a refurbished laser to replace it myself since we are not on a service contract.  The actual physical job of removal and replacement of the laser looks pretty simple because the laser box is external and appears to be held in by several screws.  I am not sure how complex the alignment would be or if one can expect that the alignment will be set reasonably close by the placement of the laser box.  Has anyone attempted this themselves and if so can you suggest if it is a reasonable project to undertake?  Thanks- Dave

David Knecht, Ph.D.
Professor and Head of Microscopy Facility Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
U-3125
91 N. Eagleville Rd.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-2200
860-486-4331 (fax)
Hugh Newman Hugh Newman
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Re: Laser replacement on Nikon A1R

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Unless you are doing CFP/YFP FRET multi line argon lasers are not really recommended due to cost, noise, heat, and laser life. If you are using just one line like 488, go for a solid state. I would talk to the AIS or SBAM in your region from Nikon to discuss alignment.
Hugh Newman
 



> Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 14:08:13 +0000
> From: [hidden email]
> Subject: Laser replacement on Nikon A1R
> To: [hidden email]
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> The argon laser on our Nikon A1R died yesterday and I am considering getting a refurbished laser to replace it myself since we are not on a service contract.  The actual physical job of removal and replacement of the laser looks pretty simple because the laser box is external and appears to be held in by several screws.  I am not sure how complex the alignment would be or if one can expect that the alignment will be set reasonably close by the placement of the laser box.  Has anyone attempted this themselves and if so can you suggest if it is a reasonable project to undertake?  Thanks- Dave
>
> David Knecht, Ph.D.
> Professor and Head of Microscopy Facility
> Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
> U-3125
> 91 N. Eagleville Rd.
> University of Connecticut
> Storrs, CT 06269
> 860-486-2200
> 860-486-4331 (fax)