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Laser tweezers

Aggie

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I have a Cell Robotics laser tweezer (Nd:YAG) emiting at 1064 nm, 1.5 W. It's pretty ancient and is not communicating with its computer software. I need to know if the interlocks on it have to be defeated.
 





Trevor

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What does it use for PC communication? Have you tried pinging it with some basic input to see if that works?

You might be able to extract an error code.

-Trevor
 

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There is a workstation software which switches the laser on and off. The hyperterminal program gives me an error message saying that the interlocks have tripped.
 

Aggie

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it's a class IV laser and someone told me the pump diode's might be ruined.
 

Trevor

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If you haven't changed anything (including removing any safety interlocks like keys), then yes, your system is probably broken.

Do you have any documentation?

-Trevor
 

Aggie

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There is no documentation for the laser. It is part of a laser tweezers unit manufactured by Cell Robotics, which is now defunct. The only manual I have says that if there is a problem with the laser, contact Cell Robotics, tech support, which doesn't exist anymore.
is it possible to change the pump diode on my own?
 

Trevor

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It's going to be a very high powered 808nm laser diode and will require rather sensitive alignment. You're going to need steady hands, a laser power meter, and an IR indicator card.

-Trevor
 

Trevor

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Thanks a lot :)

No problem.

Though, were it my system, I wouldn't try. Try posting somewhere where other people use these systems; they'll be able to offer you more help than most of us here.

-Trevor
 

Aggie

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yeah, i was considering getting a trained technician to look at it. It's part of my lab's equipment and I cant afford to mess it up. Though I did need some insight into what was wrong in the first place. Thanks again for your inputs.
 

Aggie

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That link is no longer valid. Cell robotics is currently defunct and there is no website/tech support offered.
 
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I'm not a laser expert, I know nothing about fancy laser systems, and I'm only posting because I'm one of those people who takes stuff apart to see how it works, etc., so maybe trevor will reply whether this is a good idea or not, but most of the time, interlocks are simple switches that detect when the cover is open or something like that.

If all covers are replaced correctly and it is giving that message, then maybe an interlock is malfunctioning? Test for continuity between the two wires going to the interlocks when the interlock switch is in the position that it would be if the case were closed, would be my guess.
 

Trevor

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Yeah, a case interlock is one type of interlock. Then you've got key switches, those little shorted audio connectors, Viasho uses a length of wire with some adorable tiny banana plugs, etc.

Good suggestion. :D

-Trevor
 

Aggie

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Hey all,
It was finally an interlock error. I had to open the laser casing and close the interlocks. The laser is working fine now. I can get a spot on the IR reader.
All your inputs have been very helpful. Thanks :)
 

Trevor

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Always good news when a pricey laser starts working again. :D

-Trevor
 




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