Re: help for optical table choice

Posted by J. Thomas Fisher on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/help-for-optical-table-choice-tp593611p663475.html

In most MPM investigations, and typical laboratory environments, a Newport RS2000 series (same performance as TMC 784) would provide sufficient damping for the top surface and the requirements for isolation would depend upon the lab location.  Choosing an air filled isolator will provide sufficient isolation performance in most environments.  I would consider the Newport PL-2000 to start and if you have some extra $$ you can get an upgrade kit to install active leveling/auto filling to the legs.  Call them and ask about it.
I would also recommend choosing damped optical posts for the components. I've seen several MPM set-ups where undamped posts were used which resulted in distorted images.
The thickness of the table affects its static deflection more than the damping performance so choose a thickness based upon the weight placed on the table.  Most MPM set-up won't weight more than 250lbs so an 8" thick table should be sufficient.
I know that Olympus now specifies and sells RS2000 Newport tables with thier FlouView scopes so they must work for them.  (http://www.olympusamerica.com/seg_section/product.asp?product=1020&p=-1)

Jean-Pierre CLAMME wrote

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Hi,

I'm shopping for an optical table for a new confocal / 2photon microscope
and  FCS setup and I was wondering what kind of grade I need.
Indeed for the 2 photon microscope that we have here ((the new one is for
another place) , we have  a TMC 784 series (maximum dry damping) table.  I
saw somewhere that this table is equivalent to the RS 4000 series from NEWPORT.
So I was wondering if this grade is really necessary for a confocal
microscope and FCS system. Or if  as long as I have pneumatic legs, a RS2000
or 783 (standard damping) would be fine ?

Thank you in advance,

JP