PALM
®
MicroBeam User Manual - 0202 Z
13
The PALM
®
MicroBeam - Survey
Laser
5.3 Laser
The PALM
®
MicroBeam works with a pulsed UV
laser (wavelength: 337nm) of a high beam qual-
ity, which is coupled via the epifluorescence path
(see Figure 7, Pos. 6) into a research microscope
and focused through the objective. Depending on
the applied objective the laser focus can reach less
than one micrometer in diameter. In theory, the
high beam quality of the laser allows to focus the
laser beam to its diffraction limit. However, the
cutting width is dependent on
- the laser beam itself,
- the quality of the optics within the beam path,
- the numerical aperture of the focusing objec-
tive and
- the absorption behavior of the specimen and on
a correct laser focus setting.
For cutting, the stage is moved and not the laser
itself.
5.4 Microscope Adapter
The microscope adapter connects the laser to the
microscope. The laser beam is guided into the
microscope and deflected into the objective.
Figure 6
Microscope adapter
The especially designed beam splitter (see Figure
7, Pos. 2) allows to connect the fluorescence illu-
mination lamp and the filter wheel to the system
and simultaneously use fluorescence illumination
with laser application.
Notice
The correct laser focus setting is done by the
user (please see section 6.4, page 19) and is
dependent on the focusing objective.
Notice
Due to the high power laser, for simultaneous
fluorescence illumination especially designed
beam splitters have to be used. For more infor-
mation please contact P.A.L.M. Microlaser
Technologies AG.
Caution
Do not touch or remove the screws on the
microscope adapter. The alignment of the sys-
tem would be destroyed and if the mirror is
removed, invisible radiation of a laser class 3B
might be guided unprotected to your eyes!
P.A.L.M
.
Microla
ser Te
chnolog
ies
1 filter wheel, filter holder
with shutter (option)
2 fluorescence
illumination
lamp (option)
3 Microscope
adapter
1
2
3
