Need help in LA area in obtaining a laser

Hello, it's my first post here, so please excuse me if I posted this under the wrong forum.

I work in R&D for a private corporation that uses plasma fields to affect verious surfaces in the Los Angeles area. Currently, I am trying to rectify a design issue that is of great importance to understand.

The procedure for quantifying an aspect of our technology calls for a 488nm laser. The laser is needed to excite a fluorescent molecule.

The optimum wavelength in literature is 488nm, however, an acceptable range would be between 460 and 500nm. A wavelength above 500nm would supersede the emitted fluorescence, and below 460nm, no noticeable fluorescence would be observed.

Absorption and Emission Spectra for the molecule: http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/9291/emissionspectra.jpg

I have tried all available academic channels to no avail. I am looking to borrow/rent the laser for two days to complete the experiment. You will be properly compensated.

Please let me know if you can help or have any helpful advice.

You're going to find the 445 nm laser diodes (some harvested from Blu-Ray burners) are pretty popular, right now. They are popular for near UV activities, such as getting various things to fluoresce. Not to mention burning and other activities best suited to the shorter wavelengths of light.

There are several 445 nm options, extending up into the 2000mW range both here, in the Buy Sell Trade section and from various sources online.

You may find the Companies and Reviews sections helpful in deciding what and where to buy.

And don't forget safety goggles.

Easiest option would be to get a 473nm laser, handheld and lab style are sold by several companies, and many members do also own 473nm lasers.

You may want to try just ask around a bit, and post a "Want to Rent" or "Want to Buy" thread. There is a 20 post minimum before you are allowed to post a thread in the Buy Sell Trade section... PM one of the mods maybe they would be willing to allow you to post, but you will need to give them more information, like company name, exact location, etc,.

I appreciate the help from both of you!

I didn't realize how much more easily attainable (i.e. affordable) a 473nm laser is. That's really good news.

I'm in Los Angeles and have an approx 10mw 473nm, which is pretty close to what you're after. Oh, it's also a lab laser, so you can plug it into the wall and just let it run 24/7. The emitter is also attached to a pretty big base, so it won't be easily knocked out of alignment.

This light blue color is one of the more expensive wavelengths, so you won't find a LOT of people with them. Especially in a lab laser.

It's been Frankensteined out of a piece of medical equipment so it's not pretty and has exposed wires and circuit boards, but it's also very stable and built like a tank.

I currently use to power my home built laser lumia show and usually run it 4 or 5 hours a night with no signs of problems (of course now that I wrote that it will blow up).

I found mine on eBay, so although they are pretty rare they do show up from time to time. The good thing is competition won't be very fierce since most laser enthusiasts want handheld units, not a big ugly lab laser

Not sure if this will be of any help, but if you want to reach me and since you can't use your PM yet try me at MojoSPFX on America Online.

Good luck!