Multiphoton laser shutdown procedure

[Moulding, Dale]

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Dear all,

I've been in touch with our local SpectraPhysics team for advice on shutdown for their multiphoton lasers. I've pasted the advice below. I'll be shutting down our system today. They are happy to be contacted if anyone needs any advice.

cheers

Dale

Hi Dale,

Further to our call I understand a number of users would appreciate guidance on shutting down their Spectra-Physics' Mai Tai and InSight lasers for an extended period.

Firstly, the golden rule for the Chiller and Power Supply Units is "BOTH ON or BOTH OFF".  If you expect to use the system within a matter of days simply leave the system running.  For extended shutdown please follow the simple shutdown instructions in Chapter 6 of the respective user manual (pdf copies available by email).

NB: If the system has been off for a while we recommend you turn the Chiller and PSU on at least a couple of days ahead of intending to run the laser.  This will give the system sufficient time to return to operating temperature (and provide you with the expected stable operation):
   - For a Mai Tai 1-2 days should be sufficient,
   - For the larger InSight laser we would suggest 3-4 days might be necessary.

Some users may ask how to determine whether to leave running or shut down.  The restart time above is probably the deciding factor: If you're planning to use the system weekly then leave it on, if longer than a month and can restart beforehand then switch off.  However, be aware that coolant needs topping-up from time-to-time so if the coolant won't be checked / topped-up it is clear the system should be turned off.

Finally, it would not be unexpected that power cuts may occur.  We have not experienced issues caused by power outages here in the UK and so we do not suggest a UPS is necessary.  However, users should ensure the "Both On / Both Off" rule is followed.  If systems are left On and a power cut should occur it would be wise to check that both PSU and chiller have indeed both come back on.  Alternatively some users have implemented RCD devices to 'latch' the Chiller and PSU in the Off state in the event of a Power Cut.

As always, we are on hand should our users have any questions on restarting their lasers.  Do not hesitate to contact us with questions or if you are uncertain about any of the information above.
For the UK, the local Service Manager is Bob Brien and he can be reached directly on [phone].

Best regards,
Ashley and Bob
________________________________________________
Ashley Crane
Regional Sales Manager
Spectra-Physics Lasers
[hidden email]

Bob Brien
UK Service Manager
Spectra-Physics Lasers
[hidden email]

Newport Spectra-Physics Ltd
Unit 7, Library Avenue, Harwell Oxford,
Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0SG, UK
Reg. no: 2096856
Office:   [phone]

[Moulding, Dale]

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Hi again,

I've just received a modified shutdown procedure from the factory, copied below.

Cheers

Dale

Hi Dale,

The factory have just clarified their official position so could you please update with the following:

Dear All,

Since many of you are considering shutting down your laser for an extended period, we are recommending the following actions be taken to avoid potential harm to lasers due to high humidity, or unmonitored leaks from the chiller or laser system. If you will be shutting down your laser system for multiple weeks or an undetermined amount of time, please follow the following guidelines. The chiller should always be turned OFF, when the laser system power is OFF. The entire laser system should be powered off when the laser is non-operational for an extended period.

Laser Emission and Shut Down
Turn off the laser emission in the normal way, as described in the user's manual. Exit the GUI, by pressing the appropriate key, or icon. The Mai Tai has an 'Exit and 'Save' option, when closing the GUI. For the InSight series, there is a 'Shut down' option that prepares the laser for Power-Off. Once the GUI is closed you may now proceed to shut down the power supply and chiller.

Power Supply Shut Down
The user should turn the key interlock to off position on the front panel of the power supply. This will disable any current to the diode pump to the laser. There is an illuminated LED rocker switch on the front panel as well. Please press this switch to the down, or off position. You may hear the cooling fans turn off, and the LED will go off as well.

Chiller Shut Down
Wait 5 - 10 minutes after turning OFF the Power Supply, and then turn OFF the Chiller. This is to avoid accumulated humidity over time due to moisture collecting from the environment onto the cooled surfaces of the laser.

Please reference laser user's manuals for complete Turn-ON, and Turn-OFF procedures. Thank you for taking these measures, to ensure long-life and reliability of your ultrafast laser system.

Best Regards,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Illa
Service support 1.800.456.2552
Spectra-Physics Lasers
MKS Instruments, Inc.
3635 Peterson Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Dale Moulding
Sent: 19 March 2020 14:09
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Multiphoton laser shutdown procedure

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Dear all,

I've been in touch with our local SpectraPhysics team for advice on shutdown for their multiphoton lasers. I've pasted the advice below. I'll be shutting down our system today. They are happy to be contacted if anyone needs any advice.

cheers

Dale

Hi Dale,

Further to our call I understand a number of users would appreciate guidance on shutting down their Spectra-Physics' Mai Tai and InSight lasers for an extended period.

Firstly, the golden rule for the Chiller and Power Supply Units is "BOTH ON or BOTH OFF".  If you expect to use the system within a matter of days simply leave the system running.  For extended shutdown please follow the simple shutdown instructions in Chapter 6 of the respective user manual (pdf copies available by email).

NB: If the system has been off for a while we recommend you turn the Chiller and PSU on at least a couple of days ahead of intending to run the laser.  This will give the system sufficient time to return to operating temperature (and provide you with the expected stable operation):
   - For a Mai Tai 1-2 days should be sufficient,
   - For the larger InSight laser we would suggest 3-4 days might be necessary.

Some users may ask how to determine whether to leave running or shut down.  The restart time above is probably the deciding factor: If you're planning to use the system weekly then leave it on, if longer than a month and can restart beforehand then switch off.  However, be aware that coolant needs topping-up from time-to-time so if the coolant won't be checked / topped-up it is clear the system should be turned off.

Finally, it would not be unexpected that power cuts may occur.  We have not experienced issues caused by power outages here in the UK and so we do not suggest a UPS is necessary.  However, users should ensure the "Both On / Both Off" rule is followed.  If systems are left On and a power cut should occur it would be wise to check that both PSU and chiller have indeed both come back on.  Alternatively some users have implemented RCD devices to 'latch' the Chiller and PSU in the Off state in the event of a Power Cut.

As always, we are on hand should our users have any questions on restarting their lasers.  Do not hesitate to contact us with questions or if you are uncertain about any of the information above.
For the UK, the local Service Manager is Bob Brien and he can be reached directly on [phone].

Best regards,
Ashley and Bob
________________________________________________
Ashley Crane
Regional Sales Manager
Spectra-Physics Lasers
[hidden email]

Bob Brien
UK Service Manager
Spectra-Physics Lasers
[hidden email]

Newport Spectra-Physics Ltd
Unit 7, Library Avenue, Harwell Oxford,
Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0SG, UK
Reg. no: 2096856
Office:   [phone]