Zoltan,

We also has the LASOS multi-line argon laser fail prematurely in our SP5 
(the whole system was only about 8 months old). In contrast to your problem 
it was a complete failure and the laser and power supply was replaced, then 
with the new laser in place one of the downstream control boards was also 
replaced as it was misbehaving limiting the laser power at the sample. It 
was a good as new post repair and continues to be so (now at nearly 18 
months old).

Interestingly, we also had the 488 solid state laser in our SPE die within a 
year of purchase too (again this was replaced and is now fine). I would be 
interested to hear from other SPE owners as to whether they have had 
problems with laser failure in their systems.

Best wishes,
Graham

-----
Graham Wright
Microscopy & Imaging Facility

Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
1 Research Link
National University of Singapore
Singapore 117604

P:    +65 6872 8406
E:     [log in to unmask]
W:    http://microscopy.tll.org.sg

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Zoltan Cseresnyes
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:29 PM
Subject: Lasos argon laser repeated failure in Leica SP5


Dear List Members,

We have a fairly new Leica SP5 system (15 months old) that has a Lasos 
multi-line argon laser, part number LGK 7872 ML05, which now has failed for 
the second time within a year.  The error appears if we turn the total power 
slider to 30% or more, in which case the laser starts to "stutter" (i.e. 
cuts out randomly during scanning) that produces randomly distributed blank 
lines and bands in the acquired image.  If we then move the power slider 
back to below 30%, the laser performance returns to normal. Upon the first 
appearance of this error, Leica simply replaced the head and the power 
supply, but now the same error appeared again, making us more than 
suspicious that this is a common form of failure for this laser in the Leica 
system.
  Did anyone experience the same or similar problem?  If so, how did you 
resolve it?  Was it laser specific, manufacturer related or Leica related?
  Any information will be much appreciated!  Thank you very much,

Zoltan

--
Zoltan Cseresnyes
Facility Manager, Imaging Suite
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ
United Kingdom