I need some help in determining how my enterprise laser is operating
compared to others. I looked in the cytometry archives and couldn't
really find a answer. We have a 3 year old FACS Vantage that has a
model 621 enterprise argon laser on it. Over the past years we have
had two laser on it because of Service contract upgrades. So with
these new lasers, I have been spoiled with nice power outputs. With
the previous laser, I could get 60mW of UV and 240mW of 488nm at a
current of 21.5. This laser was replaced with a upgraded enterprise
laser with those "all so fine tuning knob". This laser operated simularly
to the first laser. It has been a 1 1/2 years since we recieved the
upgrade and have only put 900 hours on it. After tuning the laser, I
now only get, at @60mW of UV, 150mW of 488nm, @ 21.5 current,
which is spec. for the laser, BUT.... my worry is that we are losing the
laser to quick and we had to drop our coverage on the laser due to
budget cut backs. So my question is, I'm I over reacting and my laser
operating fine and in the same range as others? How long to other
enterprise lasers last? Also, I would appreciate hearing responses on
what power levels others operate at. I try to run at about 100mW
488nm. How low do you go before you need a new laser. And finally,
how many people are having to drop service contracts on their
instruments and lasers because of cutbacks, and what solutions are
you coming up with to compensate not having a service agreement.
Thank you in advance,
Davin
Davin Jutila
Flow Cytometry/Research Imaging Facilities
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
801 N. Rutledge
Springfield, IL 62794-1220
email: djutila@wpsmtp.siumed.edu
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