http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/405-laser-intensity-at-the-objective-is-0-15-of-actually-intensity-is-this-normal-tp7587264p7587273.html
Check and make sure you don't have a filter inserted into the optical pathway that blocks the 405nm wavelength, and then check that all the other filters (dichroic and emission) actually are what you think they are. Make sure the filter wheels and linear motor positions are indexed and homing properly. Check your microscope filter turret as well.
> On Sep 6, 2017, at 3:28 PM, Emmanuel Levy <
[hidden email]> wrote:
>
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>
> Dear Peter,
>
> Thank you for this information.
>
> Are you running your lasers at full power?
>
>
> Yes we are.
>
>
>> What combiner are you using?
>
>
> It is a custom made combiner, from the company that assembled the
> microscope.
>
>
>> I can't comment so much on the power you have at your objective but on
>> your combiner side the values look low. Going into a multi-mode fibre
>> should be like a barn door for your lasers so if we imagine a ~5% (x2) loss
>> due to combining optics and an ~80% coupling efficiency, you should still
>> be getting a ~72% average coupling efficiency into the fibre. It sounds to
>> me like the setup may need to be realigned. If you still don't see an
>> improvement then one other possibility is that the 405nm laser has degraded
>> your fibre due to solarisation and the fibre needs replacing.
>
> Thanks a lot for this info, I'll discuss it with the company.
>
> If there are other opinions, in particular regarding the loss between te
> fiber-output and the objective, I'd be glad to hear them.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Emmanuel
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>> I hope this helps.
>>
>>
>> Kind Regards
>>
>> Pete Brunt
>>