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Hi Gerry

The typical path using 2 prisms is via a small mirror into the first 
prism (we set this at minimum at minimum deviation but this can be 
changed to alter chirp). Then to the second prism (at minimum devation 
to produce a collimated horizontally spread spectrum), and then two 
mirrors to reflect the light back and displace the beam vertically which 
then passes back through the second and first prisms respectively. After 
the beam has left the first prism, note the beam has been displaced 
vertically is and thereby separated from the input beam.

BUT are you sure you need to do this? If the input pulse is ~120 fs the 
pulse broadening is quite minor. We used a pair of gold mirrors to to 
return and displace the beam but if you have 1" fs mirrors they would 
work as well.

For typical prism spacing see:

Soeller, C. & Cannell, M.B. (1996) Construction of a two-photon 
microscope and optimisation of  illumination pulse width. _Pflugers 
Archiv_ 432: 555-561.

Cheers Mark

Jerry Sedgewick wrote:
> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
> I am interested in setting up pre-chirping in the laser path going to 
> a custom built multiphoton. I have been searching in vain for exact 
> information on the components. I bought the prisms, but I am uncertain 
> about the first mirror that directs the laser to the prisms (and then 
> allows the returning, reflected laser to pass through), and the second 
> mirror. My guess is that the first mirror must be a linear polarizer, 
> or a polarizer that separates the s and p polarization. The second 
> mirror must be a grating of some sort that re-polarizes the laser so 
> that it passes through the first mirror.
>
> Rather than guessing, it would make my day if I could get specifics on 
> the mirrors.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jerry Sedgewick