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The 561's are (usually) a NIR laser diode passed through a doubling
crystal.  The efficiency of the doubling crystal is temperature dependent,
so there is usually an oven or temperature controller in the laser to keep
the diode and doubling crystal at a constant temperature.  If the drive
electronics for the oven go (or the current drive for the diode) the laser
will fail.  As long as the circuitry is not zapped with static the laser
should have a long shelf life.  I'd recommend keeping it in an anti-static
bag if you plan to store one, or any diode/diode pumped laser for that
matter.  Newer lasers have electronics that are designed to better
withstand such problems but better safe than sorry!

Craig


On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 10:32 AM, Gregg Sobocinski <[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
> *****
>
> Andreas,
> Thanks for the feedback. Our confocal under contract does get new lasers
> delivered and installed in a week. My impression that the 561nm laser on a
> shelf would be fine (just don't drop it!). Thanks for reaffirming these
> thoughts.
>
> ~Gregg
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 11:47 AM, Andreas Bruckbauer <[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
> > *****
> >
> >
> >  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
> >
> >
> > *****
> > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> > *****
> >
> > 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
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> *Gregg Sobocinski*
> Microscope Imaging Specialist
> University of Michigan, MCDB Dept.
> 830 N. University Ave.
> Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
> (734) 615-2034
>