Re: laser launch protocol

Posted by Craig Brideau on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/laser-launch-protocol-tp4874169p4883187.html

Depending on the complexity of the system it can be risky to do this
sort of alignment.  If you have any experience it is not so bad, but
if you don't know what you are doing and the system is complex you can
make things worse.  Fortunately it seems to have worked out in this
case from what Michael tells me.  I do encourage people to tinker,
otherwise they never learn, but I suggest you go slowly and carefully
and take all necessary safety precautions (goggles,etc.).

Craig


On Fri, Apr 9, 2010 at 6:06 AM, Prof Hindsight
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:14 -
> (laser safety ;-)
>
> This is not a trivial process.  To the best of my knowledge, aligning the
> beam into the fiber optic is not the only step required if the laser has
> been replaced.  The laser will firstly need retuning/aligning internally and
> then needs recalibrating.
>
> I would suggest contacting your local service organisation and enquire if
> there is another engineer that can visit sooner.
>
> PH
>
> On 8 April 2010 23:18, Craig Brideau <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> If you can hook the other end of the fiber up to some sort of optical
>> power meter, then you are in business.  Basically stare at the readout
>> on the meter while adjusting the screws.  Try to scan out a 'raster'
>> pattern: go back and forth on one axis, while moving the other axis in
>> a sweep from left to right.  Eventually you will see the power meter
>> react, which means you are close to the fiber tip.  Then just keep
>> making small adjustments to optimize for power.  Note that you can get
>> stuck on local maxima rather than the true maxima.  To prevent this,
>> when you think you are on the maximum value, move off of it a
>> significant distance with one axis and see that things drop off, then
>> move back, then try the other direction.  If you don't see any higher
>> values anywhere then you are on the true maximum.
>>
>> Craig
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 8, 2010 at 4:09 PM, Michael Bastiani
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> > Anyone have experience aligning a new KrAr laser on a Microradiance
>> > 2000?  I just installed
>> > a new laser and have a service scheduled in 2-3 weeks to align the laser
>> > (when service
>> > engineer gets back from a training session in Germany). It would be
>> > great if I could get it
>> > useable sooner and I would feel a great sense of accomplishment!   It
>> > looks straightforward
>> > (two mirrors, 4 adjustment screws), but I know hitting a 50um fiber is
>> > not trivial.  If
>> > someone routinely does this on their own and has step by step
>> > instructions I would love to
>> > hear from you.
>> > thanks
>> > michael
>> >
>
>