Section 3
Saturn
™
5 Laser Systems Safety Warnings
3
8
Research Instruments Ltd
WARNING
The embryo may be damaged if objectives other than the red Saturn 5 Laser
System objective are used.
WARNING
Do not modify this equipment without authorisation of the manufacturer.
WARNING
Where an ITO glass heated stage is fitted, do not fire the laser with the
microscope focussed into the ITO glass surface as this may damage the ITO coating.
WARNING
Thermal lensing is a defocusing of the laser beam caused by changes to
the refractive index of the medium as it is heated. The degree of defocus depends on
the total beam energy deposited in the medium. While slight defocus has no effect on
the drilling properties, this effect may become a problem for higher beam energies. To
eliminate any significant effects from thermal lensing, we recommend that the pulse
width be kept below 1000μs for clinical Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) zona drilling.
WARNING
Only a single opening should be made in the zona pellucida. Multiple openings
or those that are too small may prevent embryo hatching or lead to abnormal development.
WARNING
Do not operate the pilot laser with an embryo in the field of view. Exposure
to the pilot laser may damage the embryo.
WARNING
The microscope itself must be maintained to a high standard. Problems such
as worn focus mechanisms or an insecure video camera may lead to unreliable focus and
image stability, and could lead to embryo damage.
WARNING
Before performing any procedure, the pilot laser must be used to check
the alignment of the Active positioning system. The system must be re-aligned when
necessary. See Section 8 How to Check Laser Target Alignment.
