Lasers

Various laser launches can be used with diSPIM. Below find notes specific to each one.

For a dual-view system it is helpful to have a laser launch with dual outputs. Alternatively you can split the beam into 2 fibers and then use the scanners to blank the beams. The downside of this approach are:

• decent but incomplete blanking (up to 0.1% bleed-through)
• for passive fiber splitter
  • inexpensive and small
  • split ratio depends on wavelength ⇒ doesn't work well for multicolor
• optic table implementation
  • relatively expensive and bulky
  • can use 50/50 mirror for multicolor

(no info seems to be available online but similar to LLM5 but has dual output option)

Implementation notes:

• has dual output option
• form factor similar to large desktop computer
• choice of multiple laser lines installed at factory
• fibers have NA ~0.12
• high-impedance inputs for each laser on/off and side select on DB-15 connector (ASI can provide breakout cable to BNC)

Micro-Manager notes:

• use the LLM5 device adapter
• doesn't support the intensity scale factor but otherwise should be fine
• switcher shows up as a fake wavelength in property browser

Vendor information for MLE-L

Implementation notes:

• Special dual-output version available on request
• choice of multiple laser lines installed at factory
• automatic alignment feature makes setup easy even after shipping
• very compact form factor compared to other launches
• fibers have NA ~0.06
• 50 ohm SMB inputs for each laser on/off, version with switch has high impedance BNC input for fiber select built into interlock cable

Micro-manager notes:

• Use Toptica MLE device adapter

Implementation notes:

• dual-output version available
• quite bulky form factor compared to other launches
• high impedance inputs for each laser on/off and side select

Must take care to get master blanking signal correct

Micro-manager notes:

• device adapter present??