Posted by
simon walker (BI) on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/laser-lifetimes-tp2187288p2187404.html
Hi Phil,
Our Zeiss confocal has been in daily use since it was purchased 5 years
ago with the system typically turned on in the morning and off again
late in the evening. During that 5 year period we have had the 405 nm
diode laser (unsure of manufacturer) replaced twice and the argon laser
(Lasos) replaced twice. The 561 nm diode (Melles Griot) and 633 nm HeNe
(Lasos) lasers are still the originals, though compared with the others
the 633 HeNe gets little use. We have the complete system including
lasers on service contract as it's important for us to minimise
downtime. The service contract isn't cheap, but for us I think it has
given value for money.
Cheers,
Simon
-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:
[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Philip Oshel
Sent: 20 January 2009 16:17
To:
[hidden email]
Subject: laser lifetimes
Listers,
We're in the midst of grant-writing and budgets, and I'd like to get
some folks' experiences with laser lifetimes and maintenance issues.
Specifically, multi-line argon lasers and 405 and 559 diode lasers.
These diodes in particular add a fair amount to a service contract.
How necessary is it to include the lasers in a service contract?
Currently, our old instrument has a single-line 488 argon and a HeNe
543, no contract and no problems, so I'm tending to excluding some or
all of the lasers from the contract. But ...
Thanks for the information.
Phil
--
Philip Oshel
Microscopy Facility Supervisor
Biology Department
024C Brooks Hall
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
(989) 774-3576