recommended distortion target for multiphoton?

[Michael Giacomelli]

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Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.

Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
ablated by the beam.

Thanks,
Michael

[Mark Cannell-2]

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Hi Michael

I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing my microscope back in ’95!)

HTH

Mark

On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>
> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
> ablated by the beam.
>
> Thanks,
> Michael

Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
Medical Sciences Building
University of Bristol
Bristol
BS8 1TD UK

[hidden email]

[Michael Giacomelli]

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*****

Hi Mark,

I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
Could you point me to where you found this?

Thanks,
Mike

On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi Michael
>
> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing my microscope back in ’95!)
>
> HTH
>
> Mark
>
> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>>
>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
>> ablated by the beam.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Michael
>
>
> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
> Medical Sciences Building
> University of Bristol
> Bristol
> BS8 1TD UK
>
> [hidden email]

[Arvydas Matiukas]

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Dear listers,
 
633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
a beam.
 
The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
 
I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
for $650  (4 month warranty included). Any experience
with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
for a new laser would not be cost effective.
 
best,
Arvydas
 
Director of Microscopy Core
SUNY Upstate Medical University

[Craig Brideau]

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I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
cheap at these ranges.
Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
price to compare against repair of the HeNe.

http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219

Craig Brideau


On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 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
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear listers,
>
> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
> LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
> most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
> a beam.
>
> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
> inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
> laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
> related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
>
> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
> for $650  (4 month warranty included). Any experience
> with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
> for a new laser would not be cost effective.
>
> best,
> Arvydas
>
> Director of Microscopy Core
> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>

[lechristophe]

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Hi Michael,

If you have a good motorized stage, maybe you can scan one or a few beads
over the whole field of view and generate a "virtual" grid?

Christophe


2014-07-22 19:03 GMT+02:00 Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]>:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi Mark,
>
> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
> Could you point me to where you found this?
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
> <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > *****
> > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> > *****
> >
> > Hi Michael
> >
> > I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap
> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing
> my microscope back in ’95!)
> >
> > HTH
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> >> *****
> >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> >> *****
> >>
> >> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
> >> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
> >>
> >> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
> >> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
> >> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
> >> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
> >> ablated by the beam.
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Michael
> >
> >
> > Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
> > Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
> > School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
> > Medical Sciences Building
> > University of Bristol
> > Bristol
> > BS8 1TD UK
> >
> > [hidden email]
>

[Zdenek Svindrych]

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Hi,
just remember to search the divergence, pointing stability and beam profile
(M-square value) if you plan to put a diode laser into a confocal microscope
(there you can only use the 'TEM00 part' of the beam). If these parameters
are not listed you'll probably be able to couple just few percent of the
power into the fiber... Also, proper mounting and integration into an
existing microscope might be painful.
I would go for some compatible cheap old tube you can sometimes find on
ebay. Btw, I haven't seen one failing unexpectedly. I'm sure you've checked
the HV supply, control lines and interlocks... but I just wanna make sure.
Regards, Zdenek Svindrych @ cuni.cz


---------- Původní zpráva ----------
Od: Craig Brideau <[hidden email]>
Komu: [hidden email]
Datum: 22. 7. 2014 22:27:26
Předmět: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

"*****
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Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
cheap at these ranges.
Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
price to compare against repair of the HeNe.

http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219

Craig Brideau


On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 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
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear listers,
>
> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
> LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
> most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
> a beam.
>
> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
> inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
> laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
> related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
>
> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
> for $650 (4 month warranty included). Any experience
> with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
> for a new laser would not be cost effective.
>
> best,
> Arvydas
>
> Director of Microscopy Core
> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>"

[Craig Brideau]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Very good points Zdenek! I should point out that my costs were just to have
the laser itself retubed; my power supply was fine. I suspect if I had also
had to have the supply repaired my costs would have increased substantially.

Craig


On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:10 PM, Zdenek Svindrych <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi,
> just remember to search the divergence, pointing stability and beam profile
> (M-square value) if you plan to put a diode laser into a confocal
> microscope
> (there you can only use the 'TEM00 part' of the beam). If these parameters
> are not listed you'll probably be able to couple just few percent of the
> power into the fiber... Also, proper mounting and integration into an
> existing microscope might be painful.
> I would go for some compatible cheap old tube you can sometimes find on
> ebay. Btw, I haven't seen one failing unexpectedly. I'm sure you've checked
> the HV supply, control lines and interlocks... but I just wanna make sure.
> Regards, Zdenek Svindrych @ cuni.cz
>
>
> ---------- Původní zpráva ----------
> Od: Craig Brideau <[hidden email]>
> Komu: [hidden email]
> Datum: 22. 7. 2014 22:27:26
> Předmět: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
> "*****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
> confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
> of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
> I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
> diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
> tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
> suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
> your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
> cheap at these ranges.
> Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
> suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
> price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219
>
> Craig Brideau
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 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
> > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> > *****
> >
> > Dear listers,
> >
> > 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
> > LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
> > most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
> > a beam.
> >
> > The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
> > inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
> > laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
> > related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
> >
> > I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
> > for $650 (4 month warranty included). Any experience
> > with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
> > 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
> > for a new laser would not be cost effective.
> >
> > best,
> > Arvydas
> >
> > Director of Microscopy Core
> > SUNY Upstate Medical University
> >"
>

[Mark Cannell-2]

*****
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*****

Home made approach to measure file distortion.

Use a low power phase lens to measure bead position. Then switch to your high power lens and measure positions with 2P… The difference, once the average position is calculated should give field distortion…

Cheers
On 22/07/2014, at 10:06 pm, Christophe Leterrier <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi Michael,
>
> If you have a good motorized stage, maybe you can scan one or a few beads
> over the whole field of view and generate a "virtual" grid?
>
> Christophe
>
>
> 2014-07-22 19:03 GMT+02:00 Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]>:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Hi Mark,
>>
>> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
>> Could you point me to where you found this?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mike
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> *****
>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>> *****
>>>
>>> Hi Michael
>>>
>>> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap
>> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
>> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing
>> my microscope back in ’95!)
>>>
>>> HTH
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> *****
>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>>> *****
>>>>
>>>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
>>>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>>>>
>>>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
>>>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
>>>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
>>>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
>>>> ablated by the beam.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Michael
>>>
>>>
>>> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
>>> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
>>> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
>>> Medical Sciences Building
>>> University of Bristol
>>> Bristol
>>> BS8 1TD UK
>>>
>>> [hidden email]
>>

[Mark Cannell-2]

*****
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*****

Thinking about this a bit more, I realised that your existing grid is perfectly suitable as you don’t need 2P excitation to measure field distortion at the wavelength you are using, Just turn the power down a lot and record a reflection image,

Cheers Mark

>>
>> Hi Mark,
>>
>> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
>> Could you point me to where you found this?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mike
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> *****
>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>> *****
>>>
>>> Hi Michael
>>>
>>> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap
>> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
>> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing
>> my microscope back in ’95!)
>>>
>>> HTH
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> *****
>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>>> *****
>>>>
>>>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
>>>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>>>>
>>>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
>>>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
>>>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
>>>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
>>>> ablated by the beam.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Michael
>>>
>>>
>>> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
>>> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
>>> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
>>> Medical Sciences Building
>>> University of Bristol
>>> Bristol
>>> BS8 1TD UK
>>>
>>> [hidden email]
>>

Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
Medical Sciences Building
University of Bristol
Bristol
BS8 1TD UK

[hidden email]

[Guy Cox-2]

Bear in mind that it may be the power supply not the tube that is faulty.  We had a HeNe for years and years (certainly more than 20) on an optical bench and the only problem was a transformer in the power supply.  We had that rewound locally for a modest cost.

                                                                   Guy

Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
School of Medical Sciences

Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2014 6:27 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

*****
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*****

I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are cheap at these ranges.
Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for price to compare against repair of the HeNe.

http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219

Craig Brideau


On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 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
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear listers,
>
> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our LSM 510. The laser
> has been working for 10years and most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly
> stopped producing a beam.
>
> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for inexpensive
> option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the laser. Core Directors and
> Managers please share any related experience. Contacting me off list
> is fine.
>
> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model for $650  (4
> month warranty included). Any experience with such option is greatly
> appreciated. I project about
> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price for a new
> laser would not be cost effective.
>
> best,
> Arvydas
>
> Director of Microscopy Core
> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>

[Feinstein, Timothy]

*****
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*****

Yep, and check all the fuses.  Most gas laser power supplies have a number
of them.  Much better to find the $10 problem (if it is that) before you
spend $5k+.  I have found that a lot of gas lasers make a distinctive
sound when the tube is spent that sounds faintly like a cricket chirping
every few seconds.  This is the igniter trying unsuccessfully to activate
the tube, like a starter motor failing to turn over an engine.  I don¹t
know whether all models do this but I have heard it from a couple of spent
argon and Kr-ion lasers.  If you don¹t hear it (in a quiet room) then you
definitely should check the less expensive bits.

Be aware that removing a fuse can be a lot of fun, depending on the model.
Use needlenose pliers with the tips wrapped in electrical tape and a lot
of patience.  

Cheers,


TF

Timothy Feinstein, Ph.D. | Confocal Manager
333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: [phone] | Email: [hidden email]







On 7/23/14, 4:09 AM, "Guy Cox" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Bear in mind that it may be the power supply not the tube that is faulty.
> We had a HeNe for years and years (certainly more than 20) on an optical
>bench and the only problem was a transformer in the power supply.  We had
>that rewound locally for a modest cost.
>
>                                                                   Guy
>
>Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
>School of Medical Sciences
>
>Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
>Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
>On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
>Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2014 6:27 AM
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJkFuh
>s0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfocalmic
>roscopy
>Post images on
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJkFr1
>tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in your
>posting.
>*****
>
>I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the
>cost of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
>I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
>diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
>tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
>suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
>your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
>cheap at these ranges.
>Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
>price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJkFrx
>phUC5Ww&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethorlabs%2ecom%2fnewgrouppage9%2ecfm%3fobject
>group%5fid%3d1219
>
>Craig Brideau
>
>
>On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJkFu
>>hs0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfocalm
>>icroscopy
>> Post images on
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJkFr
>>1tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in your
>>posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear listers,
>>
>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our LSM 510. The laser
>> has been working for 10years and most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly
>> stopped producing a beam.
>>
>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for inexpensive
>> option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the laser. Core Directors and
>> Managers please share any related experience. Contacting me off list
>> is fine.
>>
>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model for $650  (4
>> month warranty included). Any experience with such option is greatly
>> appreciated. I project about
>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price for a new
>> laser would not be cost effective.
>>
>> best,
>> Arvydas
>>
>> Director of Microscopy Core
>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>

[Watkins, Simon C]

We have many 633 HeNe's our solution and replacement has become routine.  Our solution has been to buy tubes alone from Ebay (for @$200) and rebuild the lasers.  its pretty simple, in Melles sources, you have to
remove the endcaps, they are glued in nothing more,
take out the four centering screws front and back  These are generally covered in some black glop.  The tubes are cushioned inside the metal tube with some more black silicon like material but they come out easily enough.  
replace the tube, dont worry about the internal cushioning material,
use some plastic bolts to hold it in place and it will work as well as the original.
BTW the power out of the tubes for 633 is commonly closer to 15mW.  The 543 tubes are about 3mw.
If anyone wants more specifics about the actual vendor, please contact me offline.
S


Simon Watkins Ph.D
Professor and Vice Chair Cell Biology
Professor Immunology
Director Center for Biologic Imaging
University of Pittsburgh
Bsts 225 3550 terrace st
Pittsburgh PA 15261
Www.cbi.pitt.edu
412-352-2277

> On Jul 22, 2014, at 17:22, "Craig Brideau" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images  of on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****43
>
> Very good points Zdenek! I should point out that my costs were just to have
> the laser itself retubed; my power supply was fine. I suspect if I had also
> had to have the supply repaired my costs would have increased substantially.
>
> Craig
>
>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:10 PM, Zdenek Svindrych <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Hi,
>> just remember to search the divergence, pointing stability and beam profile
>> (M-square value) if you plan to put a diode laser into a confocal
>> microscope
>> (there you can only use the 'TEM00 part' of the beam). If these parameters
>> are not listed you'll probably be able to couple just few percent of the
>> power into the fiber... Also, proper mounting and integration into an
>> existing microscope might be painful.
>> I would go for some compatible cheap old tube you can sometimes find on
>> ebay. Btw, I haven't seen one failing unexpectedly. I'm sure you've checked
>> the HV supply, control lines and interlocks... but I just wanna make sure.
>> Regards, Zdenek Svindrych @ cuni.cz
>>
>>
>> ---------- Původní zpráva ----------
>> Od: Craig Brideau <[hidden email]>
>> Komu: [hidden email]
>> Datum: 22. 7. 2014 22:27:26
>> Předmět: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>>
>> "*****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>> confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
>> of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
>> I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
>> diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
>> tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
>> suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
>> your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
>> cheap at these ranges.
>> Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>> suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
>> price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>>
>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219
>>
>> Craig Brideau
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 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
>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>> *****
>>>
>>> Dear listers,
>>>
>>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
>>> LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
>>> most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
>>> a beam.
>>>
>>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
>>> inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
>>> laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
>>> related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
>>>
>>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
>>> for $650 (4 month warranty included). Any experience
>>> with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
>>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
>>> for a new laser would not be cost effective.
>>>
>>> best,
>>> Arvydas
>>>
>>> Director of Microscopy Core
>>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>> "
>>

[Stanislav Vitha-2]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I would also watch for polarization direction. I recently replaced a ~3 mW
543 nm laser on our confocal with a model with the same dimensions and
specs but from a different manufacturer. Both the old and the new tube
have random polarization (i.e., the polarization direction fluctuates), but in
the new tube the polarization direction seems to fluctuate more. I suspect
that since there are several mirrors in the laser and signal path and the
polarization plane has effect on reflectivity, the resulting signal detected on
the transmitted detector (or on the confocal detector when working in
reflected mode, using a mirror slide) seem  to  fluctuate slightly, resulting
in a subtle stripe pattern in a uniform sample.  No problems in fluorescence
mode, though.
I think a quarter wave plate in front of the laser exit aperture would fix this
problem.

Stan Vitha
Microscopy and Imaging Center
Texas A&M University

[Watkins, Simon C]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
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Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

After a handful of requests, I looked up our last purchase
You can find the 5mW 633 tubes at
http://mi-lasers.com/hene-lasers/hene-tubes/5mw-633nm-hene-laser-tube
they are currently listed at $295.

I have no interest in this company at all..

Simon C. Watkins Ph.D, FRC Path
Professor and Vice Chair Cell Biology
Professor Immunology
Director Center for Biologic Imaging
BSTS 225
University of Pittsburgh
3500 Terrace St
Pittsburgh PA 15261
412-352-2277
www.cbi.pitt.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Feinstein, Timothy
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 8:21 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Yep, and check all the fuses.  Most gas laser power supplies have a number of them.  Much better to find the $10 problem (if it is that) before you spend $5k+.  I have found that a lot of gas lasers make a distinctive sound when the tube is spent that sounds faintly like a cricket chirping every few seconds.  This is the igniter trying unsuccessfully to activate the tube, like a starter motor failing to turn over an engine.  I don¹t know whether all models do this but I have heard it from a couple of spent argon and Kr-ion lasers.  If you don¹t hear it (in a quiet room) then you definitely should check the less expensive bits.

Be aware that removing a fuse can be a lot of fun, depending on the model.
Use needlenose pliers with the tips wrapped in electrical tape and a lot of patience.  

Cheers,


TF

Timothy Feinstein, Ph.D. | Confocal Manager
333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: [phone] | Email: [hidden email]







On 7/23/14, 4:09 AM, "Guy Cox" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Bear in mind that it may be the power supply not the tube that is faulty.
> We had a HeNe for years and years (certainly more than 20) on an
>optical bench and the only problem was a transformer in the power
>supply.  We had that rewound locally for a modest cost.
>
>                                                                   Guy
>
>Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
>School of Medical Sciences
>
>Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Madsen, F09,
>University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Confocal Microscopy List
>[mailto:[hidden email]]
>On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
>Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2014 6:27 AM
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fuh
>s0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfocal
>mic
>roscopy
>Post images on
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fr1 tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in
>your posting.
>*****
>
>I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the
>cost of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
>I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
>diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in
>a tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe.
>I'd suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs
>retubing your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and
>diodes are cheap at these ranges.
>Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
>price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Frx
>phUC5Ww&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethorlabs%2ecom%2fnewgrouppage9%2ecfm%3fobj
>ect
>group%5fid%3d1219
>
>Craig Brideau
>
>
>On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas
><[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFu
>>hs0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfoc
>>alm
>>icroscopy
>> Post images on
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFr 1tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in
>>your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear listers,
>>
>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our LSM 510. The laser
>> has been working for 10years and most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly
>> stopped producing a beam.
>>
>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for inexpensive
>> option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the laser. Core Directors and
>> Managers please share any related experience. Contacting me off list
>> is fine.
>>
>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model for $650  (4
>> month warranty included). Any experience with such option is greatly
>> appreciated. I project about
>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price for a
>> new laser would not be cost effective.
>>
>> best,
>> Arvydas
>>
>> Director of Microscopy Core
>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>

[Michael Giacomelli]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to record the reflection mode
image in our microscope, as the NIR light will not pass through the
dichroic, and even if we changed out the dichroic for a beam splitter,
out PMTs are not sensitive to NIR light.

Translating a bead though is a very interesting idea.  We use a high
precision thorlabs MLS stage.  I will double check the repeatability,
but in theory I could program it to perform an extremely high
resolution distortion measurement.  Of course, getting a single bead
onto a coverslip (or else programming software to automatically
identify the same bead across hundreds of frames) will be somewhat
tricky.

Its a shame that getting targets for multiphoton is so difficult.
Ideal I suppose would be something etched in glass so that I could
flow my own fluorophore through it.  I will have to look around and
see if I can get a lithography facility to make something like that.

Thanks,
Mike

On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 3:19 AM, Mark Cannell
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Thinking about this a bit more, I realised that your existing grid is perfectly suitable as you don’t need 2P excitation to measure field distortion at the wavelength you are using, Just turn the power down a lot and record a reflection image,
>
> Cheers Mark
>
>>>
>>> Hi Mark,
>>>
>>> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
>>> Could you point me to where you found this?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Mike
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
>>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>> *****
>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>>> posting.
>>>> *****
>>>>
>>>> Hi Michael
>>>>
>>>> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively cheap
>>> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
>>> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when testing
>>> my microscope back in ’95!)
>>>>
>>>> HTH
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> *****
>>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>>> posting.
>>>>> *****
>>>>>
>>>>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
>>>>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>>>>>
>>>>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
>>>>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an image
>>>>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
>>>>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
>>>>> ablated by the beam.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Michael
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
>>>> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
>>>> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
>>>> Medical Sciences Building
>>>> University of Bristol
>>>> Bristol
>>>> BS8 1TD UK
>>>>
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>
>
>
>
> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
> Medical Sciences Building
> University of Bristol
> Bristol
> BS8 1TD UK
>
> [hidden email]

[Craig Brideau]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I've been bugging various companies for years to get a good 2P and confocal
fluoresence target developed, but thus far nobody's come up with anything
that really works that costs less than $1000.

Craig Brideau


On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 11:26 AM, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to record the reflection mode
> image in our microscope, as the NIR light will not pass through the
> dichroic, and even if we changed out the dichroic for a beam splitter,
> out PMTs are not sensitive to NIR light.
>
> Translating a bead though is a very interesting idea.  We use a high
> precision thorlabs MLS stage.  I will double check the repeatability,
> but in theory I could program it to perform an extremely high
> resolution distortion measurement.  Of course, getting a single bead
> onto a coverslip (or else programming software to automatically
> identify the same bead across hundreds of frames) will be somewhat
> tricky.
>
> Its a shame that getting targets for multiphoton is so difficult.
> Ideal I suppose would be something etched in glass so that I could
> flow my own fluorophore through it.  I will have to look around and
> see if I can get a lithography facility to make something like that.
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 3:19 AM, Mark Cannell
> <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > *****
> > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> > *****
> >
> > Thinking about this a bit more, I realised that your existing grid is
> perfectly suitable as you don’t need 2P excitation to measure field
> distortion at the wavelength you are using, Just turn the power down a lot
> and record a reflection image,
> >
> > Cheers Mark
> >
> >>>
> >>> Hi Mark,
> >>>
> >>> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
> >>> Could you point me to where you found this?
> >>>
> >>> Thanks,
> >>> Mike
> >>>
> >>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
> >>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>>> *****
> >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> >>> posting.
> >>>> *****
> >>>>
> >>>> Hi Michael
> >>>>
> >>>> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively
> cheap
> >>> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
> >>> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when
> testing
> >>> my microscope back in ’95!)
> >>>>
> >>>> HTH
> >>>>
> >>>> Mark
> >>>>
> >>>> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>> *****
> >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> >>> posting.
> >>>>> *****
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
> >>>>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
> >>>>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an
> image
> >>>>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
> >>>>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
> >>>>> ablated by the beam.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Thanks,
> >>>>> Michael
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
> >>>> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
> >>>> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
> >>>> Medical Sciences Building
> >>>> University of Bristol
> >>>> Bristol
> >>>> BS8 1TD UK
> >>>>
> >>>> [hidden email]
> >>>
> >
> >
> >
> > Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
> > Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
> > School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
> > Medical Sciences Building
> > University of Bristol
> > Bristol
> > BS8 1TD UK
> >
> > [hidden email]
>

[Arvydas Matiukas]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
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I would like to thank for all suggestions they were really helpful.
 
Following the provided and some device-specific suggestions from our
local service engineer,
I connected the "dead" laser to identical power supply (confocal has
two of them),
and found the laser working. Therefore it was not laser but power
supply that
went dead. Fuses were not blown. This finding aligns well with
20-30kHrs lifetime
of the HeNe lasers (I estimate only ~5kHrs on our).
 
Now I am looking for the replacement power supply. Please advise if
cheap
general power supply (e.g. by the company suggested by Simon, $200-400)

may operate reliably, or the best choice (in terms of reliability,
power stability,
and tube lifetime) is to replace with identical one from original
manufacturer (LASOS).
 
Thanks,
Arvydas
 Director of Microscopy Core
 SUNY Upstate Medical University


 
Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Neuroscience & Physiology Dept

Room 4607 NRB
505 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [hidden email]
>>> "Watkins, Simon C" <[hidden email]> 7/23/2014 11:24 AM >>>
*****
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After a handful of requests, I looked up our last purchase
You can find the 5mW 633 tubes at
http://mi-lasers.com/hene-lasers/hene-tubes/5mw-633nm-hene-laser-tube
they are currently listed at $295.

I have no interest in this company at all..

Simon C. Watkins Ph.D, FRC Path
Professor and Vice Chair Cell Biology
Professor Immunology
Director Center for Biologic Imaging
BSTS 225
University of Pittsburgh
3500 Terrace St
Pittsburgh PA 15261
412-352-2277
www.cbi.pitt.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Feinstein,
Timothy
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 8:21 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

*****
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Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
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*****

Yep, and check all the fuses.  Most gas laser power supplies have a
number of them.  Much better to find the $10 problem (if it is that)
before you spend $5k+.  I have found that a lot of gas lasers make a
distinctive sound when the tube is spent that sounds faintly like a
cricket chirping every few seconds.  This is the igniter trying
unsuccessfully to activate the tube, like a starter motor failing to
turn over an engine.  I don*t know whether all models do this but I have
heard it from a couple of spent argon and Kr-ion lasers.  If you don*t
hear it (in a quiet room) then you definitely should check the less
expensive bits.

Be aware that removing a fuse can be a lot of fun, depending on the
model.
Use needlenose pliers with the tips wrapped in electrical tape and a
lot of patience.  

Cheers,


TF

Timothy Feinstein, Ph.D. | Confocal Manager
333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: [phone] | Email: [hidden email]







On 7/23/14, 4:09 AM, "Guy Cox" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Bear in mind that it may be the power supply not the tube that is
faulty.
> We had a HeNe for years and years (certainly more than 20) on an
>optical bench and the only problem was a transformer in the power
>supply.  We had that rewound locally for a modest cost.
>
>                                                                  
Guy

>
>Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
>School of Medical Sciences
>
>Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Madsen, F09,
>University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Confocal Microscopy List
>[mailto:[hidden email]]
>On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
>Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2014 6:27 AM
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fuh
>s0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfocal
>mic
>roscopy
>Post images on
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fr1 tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in
>your posting.
>*****
>
>I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the

>cost of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new
argon).
>I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red

>diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come
in
>a tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe.
>I'd suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs
>retubing your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and
>diodes are cheap at these ranges.
>Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value
for

>price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Frx
>phUC5Ww&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethorlabs%2ecom%2fnewgrouppage9%2ecfm%3fobj
>ect
>group%5fid%3d1219
>
>Craig Brideau
>
>
>On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas
><[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFu
>>hs0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfoc
>>alm
>>icroscopy
>> Post images on
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFr 1tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in

>>your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear listers,
>>
>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our LSM 510. The laser

>> has been working for 10years and most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly

>> stopped producing a beam.
>>
>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for inexpensive

>> option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the laser. Core Directors
and
>> Managers please share any related experience. Contacting me off list

>> is fine.
>>
>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model for $650  (4
>> month warranty included). Any experience with such option is greatly

>> appreciated. I project about
>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price for a
>> new laser would not be cost effective.
>>
>> best,
>> Arvydas
>>
>> Director of Microscopy Core
>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>

[Guy Cox-2]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

As I posted before, we were able to get one repaired locally for a reasonable cost.  So you may not need a new one.

                                        Guy

Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
School of Medical Sciences

Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,
Madsen, F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Arvydas Matiukas
Sent: Friday, 25 July 2014 6:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I would like to thank for all suggestions they were really helpful.
 
Following the provided and some device-specific suggestions from our local service engineer, I connected the "dead" laser to identical power supply (confocal has two of them), and found the laser working. Therefore it was not laser but power supply that went dead. Fuses were not blown. This finding aligns well with 20-30kHrs lifetime of the HeNe lasers (I estimate only ~5kHrs on our).
 
Now I am looking for the replacement power supply. Please advise if cheap general power supply (e.g. by the company suggested by Simon, $200-400)

may operate reliably, or the best choice (in terms of reliability, power stability, and tube lifetime) is to replace with identical one from original manufacturer (LASOS).
 
Thanks,
Arvydas
 Director of Microscopy Core
 SUNY Upstate Medical University


 
Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D.
Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Neuroscience & Physiology Dept

Room 4607 NRB
505 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [hidden email]
>>> "Watkins, Simon C" <[hidden email]> 7/23/2014 11:24 AM >>>
*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

After a handful of requests, I looked up our last purchase You can find the 5mW 633 tubes at http://mi-lasers.com/hene-lasers/hene-tubes/5mw-633nm-hene-laser-tube
they are currently listed at $295.

I have no interest in this company at all..

Simon C. Watkins Ph.D, FRC Path
Professor and Vice Chair Cell Biology
Professor Immunology
Director Center for Biologic Imaging
BSTS 225
University of Pittsburgh
3500 Terrace St
Pittsburgh PA 15261
412-352-2277
www.cbi.pitt.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Feinstein, Timothy
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 8:21 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Yep, and check all the fuses.  Most gas laser power supplies have a number of them.  Much better to find the $10 problem (if it is that) before you spend $5k+.  I have found that a lot of gas lasers make a distinctive sound when the tube is spent that sounds faintly like a cricket chirping every few seconds.  This is the igniter trying unsuccessfully to activate the tube, like a starter motor failing to turn over an engine.  I don*t know whether all models do this but I have heard it from a couple of spent argon and Kr-ion lasers.  If you don*t hear it (in a quiet room) then you definitely should check the less expensive bits.

Be aware that removing a fuse can be a lot of fun, depending on the model.
Use needlenose pliers with the tips wrapped in electrical tape and a lot of patience.  

Cheers,


TF

Timothy Feinstein, Ph.D. | Confocal Manager
333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: [phone] | Email: [hidden email]







On 7/23/14, 4:09 AM, "Guy Cox" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Bear in mind that it may be the power supply not the tube that is
faulty.
> We had a HeNe for years and years (certainly more than 20) on an
>optical bench and the only problem was a transformer in the power
>supply.  We had that rewound locally for a modest cost.
>
>                                                                  
Guy

>
>Guy Cox, Honorary Associate Professor
>School of Medical Sciences
>
>Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Madsen, F09,
>University of Sydney, NSW 2006
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Confocal Microscopy List
>[mailto:[hidden email]]
>On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
>Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2014 6:27 AM
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fuh
>s0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfocal
>mic
>roscopy
>Post images on
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Fr1 tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in
>your posting.
>*****
>
>I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the

>cost of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new
argon).
>I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red

>diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come
in
>a tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe.
>I'd suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs
>retubing your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and
>diodes are cheap at these ranges.
>Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value
for

>price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJk
>Frx
>phUC5Ww&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethorlabs%2ecom%2fnewgrouppage9%2ecfm%3fobj
>ect
>group%5fid%3d1219
>
>Craig Brideau
>
>
>On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas
><[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFu
>>hs0ku5Aw&u=http%3a%2f%2flists%2eumn%2eedu%2fcgi-bin%2fwa%3fA0%3dconfoc
>>alm
>>icroscopy
>> Post images on
>>http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=129&d=_O3P01OvGbjC3R34Ld_zYvzOvVAClkJ
>>kFr 1tgEHtUw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eimgur%2ecom and include the link in

>>your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear listers,
>>
>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our LSM 510. The laser

>> has been working for 10years and most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly

>> stopped producing a beam.
>>
>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for inexpensive

>> option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the laser. Core Directors
and
>> Managers please share any related experience. Contacting me off list

>> is fine.
>>
>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model for $650  (4
>> month warranty included). Any experience with such option is greatly

>> appreciated. I project about
>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price for a
>> new laser would not be cost effective.
>>
>> best,
>> Arvydas
>>
>> Director of Microscopy Core
>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>

[Michael Giacomelli]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
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*****

Just to follow up, I contacted MicronLaser.com and got several 1 cm^2
grid target etched into borosilicate glass.  They are ~20 um deep and
so I can flow different fluorophores through.  The cost was very
reasonable, but they were machined with a CO2 laser, and so have some
thermal microcracking that makes them unsuitable as resolution
targets.  Still, they are virtually indestructable (can park the beam
forever at one point and you'll never damage it), and the very large
size makes them quite handy for testing translation stages and
mosaicing software.

I'd still like to find some who can do a nanosecond pulsed laser etch
and see about getting custom resolution targets cut, but overall, the
micronlaser parts were quite reasonable for what I needed.

Mike

On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM, Craig Brideau <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> I've been bugging various companies for years to get a good 2P and confocal
> fluoresence target developed, but thus far nobody's come up with anything
> that really works that costs less than $1000.
>
> Craig Brideau
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 11:26 AM, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to record the reflection mode
>> image in our microscope, as the NIR light will not pass through the
>> dichroic, and even if we changed out the dichroic for a beam splitter,
>> out PMTs are not sensitive to NIR light.
>>
>> Translating a bead though is a very interesting idea.  We use a high
>> precision thorlabs MLS stage.  I will double check the repeatability,
>> but in theory I could program it to perform an extremely high
>> resolution distortion measurement.  Of course, getting a single bead
>> onto a coverslip (or else programming software to automatically
>> identify the same bead across hundreds of frames) will be somewhat
>> tricky.
>>
>> Its a shame that getting targets for multiphoton is so difficult.
>> Ideal I suppose would be something etched in glass so that I could
>> flow my own fluorophore through it.  I will have to look around and
>> see if I can get a lithography facility to make something like that.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mike
>>
>> On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 3:19 AM, Mark Cannell
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> > *****
>> > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>> > *****
>> >
>> > Thinking about this a bit more, I realised that your existing grid is
>> perfectly suitable as you don’t need 2P excitation to measure field
>> distortion at the wavelength you are using, Just turn the power down a lot
>> and record a reflection image,
>> >
>> > Cheers Mark
>> >
>> >>>
>> >>> Hi Mark,
>> >>>
>> >>> I'm assuming you mean beads deposited in a grid or something similar?
>> >>> Could you point me to where you found this?
>> >>>
>> >>> Thanks,
>> >>> Mike
>> >>>
>> >>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:58 AM, Mark Cannell
>> >>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> >>>> *****
>> >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> >>> posting.
>> >>>> *****
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Hi Michael
>> >>>>
>> >>>> I’ve always used beads to test the microscope. They are relatively
>> cheap
>> >>> and if you blow one up it don’t matter. As you say, evaporated metal
>> >>> targets are too easily damaged (as Jim Pauley and I discovered when
>> testing
>> >>> my microscope back in ’95!)
>> >>>>
>> >>>> HTH
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Mark
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On 22/07/2014, at 4:30 am, Michael Giacomelli <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> >>>>
>> >>>>> *****
>> >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> >>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> >>> posting.
>> >>>>> *****
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Could someone recommend a good multiphoton distortion target?
>> >>>>> Preferably one that is relatively robust against damage.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Currently I am using a thorlabs wire grid target with fluorophore
>> >>>>> behind it.  The beam is attenuated by the metal, resulting in an
>> image
>> >>>>> of the grid.  However, passing through the entire 1 mm slide greatly
>> >>>>> reduces my resolution, and unless I am extremely careful, the grid is
>> >>>>> ablated by the beam.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Thanks,
>> >>>>> Michael
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
>> >>>> Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
>> >>>> School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
>> >>>> Medical Sciences Building
>> >>>> University of Bristol
>> >>>> Bristol
>> >>>> BS8 1TD UK
>> >>>>
>> >>>> [hidden email]
>> >>>
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Mark  B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ
>> > Professor of Cardiac Cell Biology
>> > School of Physiology &  Pharmacology
>> > Medical Sciences Building
>> > University of Bristol
>> > Bristol
>> > BS8 1TD UK
>> >
>> > [hidden email]
>>