Lasers

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

In normal diSPIM use the launch will be controlled using its digital TTL inputs. The PLC card will be generating those signals, which will turn the lasers on/off at the appropriate times and selecting the correct side. For information on connecting the cables see the appropriate section of the manual. The analog intensity is generally controlled using the high-level software (Micro-Manager or vendor's software) over a USB or serial connection; there may be some enabling that needs to happen using the high-level software. In general the analog inputs would not be used.

For a dual-view system it is helpful to have a laser launch with dual outputs. These are not common but multiple options are commercially available (see below). 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
  • possible to insert mechanical shutters or AOTFs to fully block the beams than the scanner can alone

Below are notes about commercial laser launches that have been used with diSPIM.

Vendor's brochure for MLE-L.

• 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

• Use Toptica MLE device adapter

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

• 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)

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

• dual-output version available
• quite bulky form factor compared to other launches
• high impedance inputs for each laser on/off and side select
• not possible to have intensity selected by software while on/off triggering done by hardware ⇒ added complexity in driving analog inputs

• Must take care to get master blanking signal correct
• Because of all-or-nothing external control, must have means to provide analog intensity control (not needed with any other launch)

• device adapter present??

• separate OBIS lasers and Galaxy combiner allow in-field addition or substitution of lasers

• Use OBIS device adapter (not maintained by manufacturer)

• multi-fiber output module available (“FiberSwitcher”)
• generally sold by 3i intended to be used with their Slidebook software
• has high impedance inputs for each laser on/off and side select

• Probably would work if you had way to control intensity (on/off all done via Tiger controller)