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 I would expect the replacement to be there in 2-3 days but this is with a service contract!  My knowledge regarding degrading is based on Argon Ion lasers, with these the tube pressure increases when they are not used and then the laser does not start any more, so they don't last on the shelf. 561 lasers are DPSS and not simple diodes, but i would not expect them to degrade over time, but they are more expensive than diodes, so it is a lot of money standing around. 

best wishes

Andreas



 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gregg Sobocinski <[log in to unmask]>
To: CONFOCALMICROSCOPY <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 18:37
Subject: Shelf life of lasers and refurbishing


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Our 561nm diode laser went bad on a confocal system, and it has taken 2
months to obtain a new one. I pose four lines of questioning to the list:

1) Have people tried refurbishing old lasers? How did they perform?
2) Do you believe that refurbished lasers are a good value at half the
price of new replacement?
3) Do lasers degrade while sitting unused on a shelf? (Should we have a
refurbished laser on hand for next time, or should we wait?)
4) Is two months typical for ordering a laser without a service contract?
Are lasers in that short of supply?

Thanks in advance to all responders.
~Gregg
-- 
*Gregg Sobocinski*
Microscope Imaging Specialist
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA