Re: 633 nm laser replacement

Posted by Feinstein, Timothy on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/recommended-distortion-target-for-multiphoton-tp7582387p7582404.html

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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: 616-234-5819 | 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
>
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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://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:
>
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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
>>