Laser processing consortium

NewsUpdate Microscope

link for fluorescence

spectrophotometer

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libre-optic link is available from Hitachi Scientific Instruments which allows the F-2000 rapid scanning fluorescence spectrophotometer to be optically coupled directly to commercial fluorescence microscopes. In this way, spectral analyses can be made from small areas on the sample. This combination extends the capability of the microscope by using standard equipment without the need for expensive dedicated instrumentation. The technique is suitable for a wide range of applications from semiconductor quality control, where nondestructive techniques are or great importance, to cell biology and materials science. One end of the libre link fits directly into the sample compartment of the F-2000 and the other attaches to the microscope at the video camera port. The sample is excited using the microscope illumination system. The region of interest can be located through the eyepieces and the F-2000 can then be used to make the

spectral analyses. The use of a large aperture stigmatic concave diffraction grating monochromator on the emission side ensures an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Quantitative detection limits and minimum detectable areas will vary according to excitation conditions and the optics of the particular microscope used. The full analysis facilities of the F-2000 can be used, including background corrections and quantitative measurements, where appropriate. A scanning speed of 12 000 nm min-’ means that the full wavelength range of 220-800 nm can be scanned in less than 3 s. The high sensitivity of the F-2000 ensures that the performance of the spectrophotometer is not compromised when fast scanning speeds are used. Hitachi Scientific Instruments, 7 Ivanhoe Road, Hogwood Industrial Estate, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4QQ, UK. Fax: + 44 (0)118 973 2622

Laser Processing

Laser chillers

Consortium

0 of cooling solutions lasers in any application,

ffering a flexible choice for the he Applied Research LaCresta range of laser chillers boratory at Pennsylvafrom Coolmation, can boost nia State University has laser output and enhance proorganized the Laser Procesductivity. sing Consortium to assist in Mobile Cresta units, with the commercialization of adcapacities of 3 - 17 kW can be quickly and simply installed to vanced laser processing techservice industrial lasers and nology. are easily moved to provide The organization will intepowerful chilling where and grate the activities of laser when required. Larger, fixed systems developers, process machines in the range have and materials experts, and capacities up to 180 kW, manufacturers. providing an impressive coolFacilities in the Applied ing capability for groups of Research Laboratory include lasers or entire industrial sysa 25 kW CO2 laser, 14 kW tems. A high degree of accurate COz laser, 3 kW continuous is offered by wave Nd:YAG laser, 1.5 kW controllability pulse or continuous wave COz the Cresta range, controllability that is vital for effective laser and a 400 W Nd:YAG laser operation. laser. Depending on the requireFor details contact Rich ments and model, a choice of Martukanitz, the Laser ProPID, electronic multi-stage or cessing Consortium Program IQ temperature controllers is Manager on + 1 814 863 7282. available. Interfaced with a highly efficient hot capacity control arrangement, PID can Applied Research Laboratory, maintain water temperatures Pennsylvania State University, within 0.5 of set temperature under varying work load conPennsylvania, USA ditions to meet the demand for close temperature control. To protect the whetted surface of the laser cooling circuits and guard against corrosion, the pump, tank and evaporator are manufactured in high quality stainless steel. The Cresta chillers have a The mini-OTDR includes compact footprint and are an intuitive user interface and quiet in operation because online, context-sensitive ‘help’ they employ low noise herfunction so that untrained metic compressors and multitechnicians can quickly be- ple-blade aerofoil fan come proficient at using the assemblies, making them suiinstrument. table for operation in sensitive At the same time, the sys- environments. The chillers are simple to tem also provides experienced users with sophisticated fea- install and operate and are designed to provide easy actures, such as the optimize mode, which provide the cess for routine servicing and best-possible performance for maintenance. a given parameter: dynamic Coolmation, Unit 4, Millrange or resolution.

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Mini-OTDR to maximize uptime of fibre-optic networks

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esigned to maximize the uptime of fibre-optic networks without compromising high performance and ease of use, the HP E6000A optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) from Hewlett Packard is small and portable. The system weighs less than 2.8 kg and, with its 35 dB dynamic range, 16 000 data points with 15 cm resolution and 20 m deadzone, it allows test technicians to resolve network events quickly and clearly. One-button operation, automatic test and analysis

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also make it easy to take measurements and characterize links. According to Werner Berkel, General Manager of HP’s tibre-optic test business, ‘The HP E6000A helps keep fibreoptic networks up and running by helping maintenance managers pinpoint network faults and degradation more accurately than ever before.’ He added, ‘It’s one-button operation combined with its intuitive user interface make it easy, even for novice users, to make advanced and reliable OTDR measurements.’

Hewlett-Packard Ltd, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire SK3 ORB, UK

stream Trading Estate, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3SE, UK. Fax: + 44 (0)1425 470745

Optics

& Laser Technology Vol28 No 8 1996