http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/Laser-beam-sharing-via-multi-mode-fibers-tp7584037p7584039.html
Yes, this could work or for a no moving part solution how about an acousto-optic deflector which could also provide intensity modulation?
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>
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>
> Dear Kyle,
>
> I believe a good flipper mount would have sufficient return accuracy when
> aligned carefully to flip in the plane of the mirror (e.g., 'sideways') but
> it is a little bit of a hassle and someone will eventually bump the mirror.
>
> How about using a polarizer to split the beam and in front of that install
> a half waveplate to allow you to select the ratio of power between the two
> paths? This seems more robust for general use in my opinion.
>
>
> Best regards,
> Josh
>
> On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 12:25 AM, Kyle Douglass <
[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.
>> *****
>>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>> In my lab we have two microscope setups in two different rooms separated
>> by a hallway between them. One of our microscopes has a free-space laser
>> that must remain in place; however, I would like to use this laser with the
>> microscope located in the other room while maintaining its ability to be
>> used with its current microscope. Both microscopes accept free-space beams
>> as inputs for fluorescence microscopy in an epi-illumination geometry.
>>
>> I am considering the following solution: introduce a flipper mirror before
>> the fixed laser to allow me to switch between a path that would send the
>> beam into its current microscope and another path that would couple the
>> beam into a long multi-mode fiber. I would then run the fiber above the
>> ceiling panels between the labs and onto the table of the other setup,
>> where the output light would be collimated and introduced like normal into
>> the other microscope. I do not require a single-mode beam for the second
>> microscope. In fact, I am proposing to use a multi-mode beam to achieve a
>> better power coupling efficiency into the fiber and to prevent burning the
>> fiber cladding by allowing for larger focal spot sizes when coupling. I
>> also am not concerned about the speckle on the sample since I am averaging
>> over multiple speckle patterns during the acquisition of a single frame.
>>
>> My primary concern is the stability of the input and output couplers. The
>> microscopes are used by people with little optics experience and this
>> solution must be as easy as possible to switch between the two paths.
>> Ideally, the only action required would be to flip the mirror up or down
>> (after the initial alignment, of course).
>>
>> Here are my questions:
>> 1. Has anyone tried such an approach with satisfactory results and would
>> be willing to comment?
>> 2. Would vibration of the fiber significantly affect its propagation
>> direction upon leaving the output coupler?
>> 3. Would a "standard" flipper mirror or magnetic mount have sufficient
>> return accuracy to avoid having to adjust the input coupler alignment every
>> time we switched between microscopes?
>> 4. Is there another obvious solution I am missing?
>>
>> Thanks for the responses!
>> Kyle
>>
>> --
>> Kyle M. Douglass, PhD
>> Post-doctoral researcher
>> The Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics
>> EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
>>
http://kmdouglass.github.io>>
http://leb.epfl.ch>>
>
>
>
> --
> Joshua C. Vaughan
> Assistant Professor
> Department of Chemistry
> Box 351700
> University of Washington
> Seattle, WA 98195
> 206-543-4644
Mark B. Cannell Ph.D. FRSNZ