Search the CONFOCAL archive at
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

In terms of the laser it self, there are a few things to consider.  If
you go with a Ti:Saph laser, it doesn't actually need a whole lot from
day to day.  From my experience with our own lab's laser, it needs an
occasional top-up of distilled/filtered water for the cooling chiller
(maybe a liter once every couple months!).  If you plan on running the
laser below 860nm or so you generally have to purge the laser cavity
with ultra pure (5.0) dry nitrogen.  Our own lab has a researcher that
works at 925nm and we go through a tank every couple months.  Finally,
most Ti:Saphs use diode lasers as a pump source.  These diodes can
work for anywhere from 5 to 10 years, and cost about 10-20k to
replace.
From a facilities standpoint, Ti:Saphs require a fairly clean,
temperature-stable environment.  They put out a lot of heat from the
chiller, so it is important to ensure your room has adequate air
conditioning to handle the thermal load.  If the temperature changes
more than a couple degrees over the course of a day it can be bad for
the laser.

Hope this helps!

Craig

On 10/9/07, Daniel Fimiarz <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
> Hello,
>
> I am currently researching a possibility of acquiring a multi photon
> system for our imaging core facility. What are typical maintenance
> costs of such systems? Are they very different from single photon
> (confocal) systems?  I do realize that my question is rather general
> and I am not expecting very detailed answers. Anything that you could
> share would be helpful.
>
> Thank you very much,
>
> Daniel F.
>