*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Very good points Zdenek! I should point out that my costs were just to have
the laser itself retubed; my power supply was fine. I suspect if I had also
had to have the supply repaired my costs would have increased substantially.

Craig


On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:10 PM, Zdenek Svindrych <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi,
> just remember to search the divergence, pointing stability and beam profile
> (M-square value) if you plan to put a diode laser into a confocal
> microscope
> (there you can only use the 'TEM00 part' of the beam). If these parameters
> are not listed you'll probably be able to couple just few percent of the
> power into the fiber... Also, proper mounting and integration into an
> existing microscope might be painful.
> I would go for some compatible cheap old tube you can sometimes find on
> ebay. Btw, I haven't seen one failing unexpectedly. I'm sure you've checked
> the HV supply, control lines and interlocks... but I just wanna make sure.
> Regards, Zdenek Svindrych @ cuni.cz
>
>
> ---------- Původní zpráva ----------
> Od: Craig Brideau <[log in to unmask]>
> Komu: [log in to unmask]
> Datum: 22. 7. 2014 22:27:26
> Předmět: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>
> "*****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
> confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
> of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
> I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
> diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
> tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
> suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
> your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
> cheap at these ranges.
> Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
> suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
> price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>
> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219
>
> Craig Brideau
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
> > *****
> > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> > *****
> >
> > Dear listers,
> >
> > 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
> > LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
> > most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
> > a beam.
> >
> > The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
> > inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
> > laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
> > related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
> >
> > I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
> > for $650 (4 month warranty included). Any experience
> > with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
> > 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
> > for a new laser would not be cost effective.
> >
> > best,
> > Arvydas
> >
> > Director of Microscopy Core
> > SUNY Upstate Medical University
> >"
>