How did the light get to the users eye?  This is a closed system?  Was he
looking at the stage?  Dave

>WARNING -- ARGON LASER ACCIDENT
>
>Recently the dual-line argon ion laser on our confocal microscope developed
>an electrical arc between the high voltage leads for laser ignition.
>
>Although the incident lasted less than two seconds, the user suffered
>corneal damage, which fortunately healed in less than a week.
>
>The laser was a nine year old, Class III continuous wave 15 mW Siemens
>which had logged several thousand hours of use but which was still going
>strong.  With the outer and inner laser housings removed, it was easy to
>see that the cause of the arcing had been dust build-up between the high
>voltage leads.
>
>Our university Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety, the
>Manager of the Laser Laboratory on campus, our service engineer and the
>microscope manufacturer (Zeiss) all assure us that this was a VERY rare
>event.  Nevertheless they agree that the information should be publicized,
>and they suggested that you should have your service engineer check
>periodically for dust build-up between the high voltage leads. Generally
>speaking, such a check would not be done unless you ask.
>
>We would like to hear from anyone who has had any similar experience.
>
>Replies to [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]
>
>Laser Scanning Microscope Laboratory
>Michigan State University
>East Lansing, MI  48824-1325


Home of the 1999 NCAA Basketball National Champion HUSKIES !!!
************************************************************

Dr. David Knecht
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
University of Connecticut
75 N. Eagleville Rd.   U-125
Storrs, CT 06269
[log in to unmask]
860-486-2200      860-486-4331 (fax)

************************************************************