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The multiline argon laser on our Nikon A1R confocal died the other day and we have been considering what to do.  It seems that gas lasers are disappearing and replaced by solid state.  The only reason we have the multiline argon is so that we can do CFP/YFP FRET with the 457 and 514 (or 488) lines of the gas laser.  However, looking at the excitation/emission profiles it appears taht we could do as well or better using the 405 for CFP and 488 for YFP.  We should get slightly less CFP signal with 405 but much less YFP non-FRET signal coming from 457 excitation.  So I would anticipate the ratios to be at least as good or better. Has anyone directly compared these two scenarios?  If 405 works fine for CFP, then we only need to get a solid state 488 which would simplify the repair.  Thanks- Dave

David Knecht, Ph.D.
Professor and Head of Core Microscopy Facility
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
U-3125
91 N. Eagleville Rd.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-2200
860-486-4331 (fax)