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http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

One needs to be clear that there are two types of
solid-state laser.  Diode lasers have typically a
relatively (in laser terms) broad range of wavelengths
and often a rather non-circular beam profile. This
means that a clean-up filter can often be useful.
They typically offer wavelengths between about 380nm
and 480nm and then from about 640nm on down.  There
are great wavelengths there for CFP but not YFP.

DPSS (diode pumped solid state lasers) are crystal
lasers which are pumped by diode lasers.  The ones
which are useful to us are frequency-doubled to
give emission between 488nm and 561nm.  These give
very sharp, defined wavelengths just like gas lasers.

Both types have great advantages over gas lasers in
terms of heat load, avoidance of vibration, and at
least in principle in life.

                                           Guy


> Dear Marco,
>
> main advantages of dpss lasers are the small size, less heat emission and
> usually longer lifetime and reasonable power output. On the other hand,
> they are more sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations and
> partly more difficult to couple. And there are still typical wavelengths
> missing, like optimal excitation for CFP/YFP - but it depends on your
> samples if this is an issue or not. If not, then I would recommend to go
> for solid state.
>
> cheers,
> Michael
>
>
>> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
>> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>>
>> Dear list members
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> We are in the market for a new confocal and I am currently examining
>> differences in configurations, laser etc. Most companies are offering us
>> systems with conventional Argon lasers and  He/Ne. Olympus has indicated
>> to
>> me they would prefer to sell their system with solid-state lasers. They
>> mention there is great advantage in price and durability and they are
>> indeed
>> better than conventional lasers. Could someone direct me to an
>> independent
>> source of information or please enlighten me whether this is indeed
>> correct?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Marco
>>
>>
>>
>> Dr. Marco Antonio Maximo Prado
>>
>> Departamento de Farmacologia, ICB, UFMG
>>
>> Av. Antonio carlos, 6627 31270-910
>>
>> Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
>>
>> tel 5531 34992718
>>
>> fax: 5531 34992695
>>
>> alternative e -mail:  <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Cv Lattes  <http://lattes.cnpq.br/8706664565242249>
>> http://lattes.cnpq.br/8706664565242249
>


-- 
Associate Professor Guy Cox
Electron Microscope Unit,
University of Sydney,
NSW 2006, Australia

Phone:+61 2 9351 3176    Fax:+61 2 9351 7682
http://www.guycox.net