>From:    IN%"[log in to unmask]"   "Confocal Microscopy List"
>To:      Vickie Centonze Frohlich <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: krypton-argon mixed gas lasers
>
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>Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1993 12:26:02 +0200
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>Subject: krypton-argon mixed gas lasers
>To: Vickie Centonze Frohlich <[log in to unmask]>
>X-To: [log in to unmask]
>
>We are currently using a Biorad MRC-600 with a mixed gas laser that seems to us
>to be dying off a bit ahead of time. It has a total of 1,200 hours of use and
 th
>e red line has disappeared and there is great losses of intensity on the other
 l
>ines.
>We have the feeling that this laser is slightly too young to be already leaving
>us, but we have been told that this kind of phenomenon is due to normal wearing
>of the laser tube.
>Does anyone have a "long-term" experience with the argon-krypton laser and is
 th
>e lifespan of the laser close to 1,200 hours?
>Thanks for all information.
>Bye, Eric Scarfone, Montpellier France.
Have you tried to retune your laser by walking the beam?  Check the laser manual
for instructions.  Also, is your laser being cooled properly?  Elevated temp.
will have a significant effect on the life of the tube.  We had a laser that
went down on us within months of installation.  In that case we found out the
the manufacturer had used a solvent to clean Orings that caused their
deterioration.  You might check with the manufacturer.