Sutter Instrument P-2000 User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
P-2000
Laser-Based Micropipette
Puller System
Operation Manual
Rev. 2.4c ( 20160412)

P-2000 MICROPIPETTE PULLER OPERATION MANUAL -– REV. 2.4C (20160412)
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Copyright © 2016 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.

P-2000 MICROPIPETTE PULLER OPERATION MANUAL -– REV. 2.4C (20160412)
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DISCLAIMER
The pipette puller Model P-2000 is designed for the specific use of creating micropipettes,
electrospray/nanospray emitters and optic fibers. No other use is recommended.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment. It is not intended, nor
should it be used in human experimentation or applied to humans in any way. This is
not a medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument. Extreme heat and high voltages are
present and could cause injury.
Do not allow unauthorized and/or untrained operative to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner, and Sutter Instrument
Company assumes no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages
from this instrument if it is operated or used in any way other than for which it is
designed.
LASER SAFETY WARNING
The P-2000 Micropipette Puller is a CO2laser based micropipette puller and as such its
design and construction are regulated; in the US by the FDA’s Bureau of Radiological
Health (CDRH), in the European Community by the harmonized standard EN60825-
1:1997, and in most other countries by the relevant laser safety documents usually based
on IEC60825-1:1997.
The P-2000 Puller as manufactured is classified as a Class I laser product under each of
the above mentioned laser safety standards. This means that it can be operated safely as
shipped without the need for additional safety measures.
The P-2000 Puller contains a 20W Class IV CO2laser with a
3.5mm diameter beam (4mR divergence). A number of safety shields, enclosures and
redundant interlocks have been built into the P-2000 to protect the user from any
radiation exposure. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE SAFETY
ENCLOSURES BE REMOVED OR THE INTERLOCKS DEFEATED. DOING SO
COULD INJURE THE OPERATOR OR PASSERS BY IN A SERIOUS MANNER. This
laser emits invisible radiation that can inflict severe burns to those exposed to the beam,
even momentarily.
Regulations require any injury by or exposure to the contained radiation of this
device be reported to Sutter Instrument Company immediately.

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v
(Figure: Location of Laser Beam and "LASER ON" Warning Light.)
SAFETY WARNING LABELS
The following Safety labels are attached to the P-2000 when shipped to you:
(Figure. Safety Labels on top of base plate.)
(Figure: Safety Label on the bottom of the Base Plate.)

P-2000 MICROPIPETTE PULLER OPERATION MANUAL -– REV. 2.4C (20160412)
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GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Electrical
Operate the P-2000 using 110-120 V AC, 60 Hz, or 220-240 V AC., 50 Hz line voltage.
This instrument is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet
(Overvoltage Category II), and because it is a microprocessor--controlled device, it should
be accorded the same system wiring precautions as any 'computer type' system. A surge
protector and power regulator are recommended.
Fuse Replacement: Replace fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated in
the following table.
(Table. Fuse specifications and ratings according to mains power.)
Fuse
(Type: Time Delay, 5mm x 20mm, glass tube)
Mains
Voltage
Setting Rating Manufacturer Examples
“110”
(100 – 120
VAC)
5A, 125 or 250V
(Time Delay)
Bussmann: GMC-5A, GDC-5A or S506-5-R (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 239 005 (RoHS)
“220”
(200 – 240
VAC)
T3.15A, 250V Bussmann: GDC-3.15A or S506-3.15-R (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 218 3.15 (RoHS)
A spare fuse is provided, which is located in the power input module. Please refer to the
Fuse Replacement appendix located in the end portion of this manual.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
WARNING: Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the
unit to a grounded outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you from injury in the
event that an electrical hazard occurs.
CAUTION: Before operating the instrument, check that the instrument’s voltage
rating corresponds to the supply voltage. The voltage rating can be found on the power
entry module on the rear of the instrument.
CAUTION: Before making electrical connections, ensure that the instrument is
switched off.
CAUTION: Do not disassemble the unit. All servicing of this unit must be
performed at Sutter Instrument Company since appropriate laser safety training is
required for all service personnel. Please contact Sutter Instrument Technical Support
in the event servicing is required.

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CAUTION: To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
WARNING: To avoid burns do not touch the heated ends of glass pipettes that have
been pulled.
Back Injury Prevention
WARNING: To avoid injuring your back or limbs it is recommended that you do not
attempt to lift this instrument by yourself. The P-2000 Micropipette Puller weighs in excess
of 36.4 kg (over 80 lb) and should be moved by TWO (2) people and placed on a cart or trolley
of sufficient robustness to support the weight.
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree
I).
This unit was not designed for operation at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested
for safety above 2000 meters.
Operate only in a location where there is a free flow of fresh air on all sides. The
fan draws air in and exhausts it through vents on the back of the instrument. NEVER
ALLOW THE FREE FLOW OF AIR TO BE RESTRICTED.
Since the P-2000 Puller is a microprocessor-controlled device, it should be accorded the
same system wiring precautions as any “computer type” system. If microprocessor based
systems in the lab require line surge protection for proper operation, then the same
protection should be provided for the P-2000.
Handling Micropipettes
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to the users of
this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile.
Contact with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, should be avoided to prevent
accidentally impaling yourself.
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well-marked, spill-proof “sharps”
container.
Use only with glassware recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in the following
sections of this manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................................................................iii
LASER SAFETY WARNING ................................................................................................................iii
SAFETY WARNING LABELS..............................................................................................................iv
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS .................................................................v
Electrical .................................................................................................................................................. v
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury..............................................................................v
Back Injury Prevention .........................................................................................................................vi
Operational .............................................................................................................................................vi
Handling Micropipettes.........................................................................................................................vi
1. GENERAL INFORMATION..............................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Technical Support.............................................................................................................................1
1.3 Information Labels ...........................................................................................................................2
1.4 Glassware Specifications..................................................................................................................2
1.5 Mechanical Description (Puller Anatomy).....................................................................................2
1.5.1 Some Basic Information ............................................................................................................2
1.5.2 Upper Cable Pulley Assembly...................................................................................................3
1.5.3 Retro-Mirror Assembly..............................................................................................................4
1.5.4 Optical Pathway .........................................................................................................................5
1.5.5 Cabinet ........................................................................................................................................8
2. INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Unpacking..........................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Setting Up..........................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 Removing the Shipping Screw..................................................................................................9
2.2.2 Line Power (Mains)..................................................................................................................10
3. OPERATIONS...................................................................................................................................13
3.1 First Time Use ................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Front Panel......................................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Controls .....................................................................................................................................15
3.2.2 Display.......................................................................................................................................16
3.3 Programs..........................................................................................................................................18
3.3.1 Program Structure...................................................................................................................18
3.3.2 Cycle Parameters .....................................................................................................................18
3.4 Pull Cycle .........................................................................................................................................20
3.4.1 Default Configuration..............................................................................................................21
3.4.2 Selecting a Program [0 to 99]..................................................................................................22
3.4.3 Viewing a Program [NEXT] / [LAST]....................................................................................23
3.4.4 Clearing a Program from Memory [CLR] .............................................................................23
3.4.5 Editing a Program....................................................................................................................24
3.4.5.1 Entering a new program...................................................................................................24
3.4.5.2 Editing an Existing Program ...........................................................................................24
3.5 Software Control Functions...........................................................................................................25

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3.5.1 RAMP TEST <1> ...................................................................................................................25
3.5.2 WRITE-PROTECT THIS PROG[RAM] <2>......................................................................26
3.5.3 RESET TIME AND DATE <3>............................................................................................27
3.5.4 MEMORY TEST <4>.............................................................................................................27
3.5.5 COPY A PROGRAM <5> ......................................................................................................28
3.6 Pulling Pipettes...............................................................................................................................29
3.6.1 Procedures ................................................................................................................................29
3.6.1.1 Looping ...............................................................................................................................29
3.6.1.2 Pull Results ........................................................................................................................30
3.6.2 Notes on Program Operation..................................................................................................31
3.6.2.1 HEAT ON...........................................................................................................................31
3.6.2.2 Program Memory ..............................................................................................................32
3.7 Parameter Adjustment...................................................................................................................32
3.7.1 General Information ................................................................................................................32
3.7.2 Micropipette/Microinjection Needle Fabrication..................................................................32
3.7.2.1 Programs ............................................................................................................................32
3.7.2.2 Selecting Program Parameters........................................................................................32
3.7.2.3 Glass Selection ...................................................................................................................34
3.7.2.4 Glass-specific Parameter Adjustment .............................................................................34
3.7.2.5 Sample Programs (for Quartz glass) ...............................................................................35
3.7.3 Patch Pipette Fabrication .......................................................................................................36
3.7.3.1 Programs ............................................................................................................................36
3.7.3.2 Selecting Program Values ................................................................................................36
3.7.3.3 Glass Selection ...................................................................................................................37
3.7.3.4 Glass-Specific Parameter Adjustment ............................................................................38
3.7.3.5 Optical System Adjustments ............................................................................................38
3.7.3.6 Suggested Practices...........................................................................................................39
3.7.4 Optic Fiber Fabrication ...........................................................................................................39
3.7.4.1 Fiber Preparation ..............................................................................................................39
3.7.4.2 Programs ............................................................................................................................39
3.7.4.3 Selecting Program Parameters........................................................................................39
3.7.5 Electrospray/Nanospray Tip Fabrication ..............................................................................40
3.7.5.1 Glass Preparation..............................................................................................................40
3.7.5.2 Programs ............................................................................................................................40
3.7.5.3 Selecting Program Parameters........................................................................................41
3.7.6 Technical Tips ..........................................................................................................................41
3.7.6.1 Maintaining Pipette Wall Thickness of Quartz Glass...................................................41
4. APPLICATIONS AND TECHNIQUES ..........................................................................................43
4.1 Pulling Very Short Micropipettes .................................................................................................43
4.2 Pulling Large-Diameter Glass.......................................................................................................44
4.2.1 Background...............................................................................................................................44
4.2.2 Principles and Strategies.........................................................................................................44
4.2.3 Suggested Practices..................................................................................................................45
4.3 Determining Tip Concentricity .....................................................................................................45
5. MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................................49
5.1 Cleaning ...........................................................................................................................................49
5.1.1 Exterior .....................................................................................................................................49

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5.1.2 Pull Bars and Pulleys...............................................................................................................49
5.1.3 Retro-Reflective Mirror ...........................................................................................................49
5.2 Optical Alignment...........................................................................................................................50
5.2.1 Scanning Mirror Tilt Adjustment ..........................................................................................50
5.2.2 Reading the Micrometer..........................................................................................................51
5.2.3 Retro-Reflective (“Retro”) Mirror Adjustment.....................................................................52
5.3 Pulley Adjustment ..........................................................................................................................54
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................57
6.1 Controlling Pipette Tip Shapes .....................................................................................................57
6.1.1 Problem: WHAT GLASS SHOULD I USE: THICK OR THIN?.......................................57
6.1.2 Problem: THE RESISTANCE OF MY PIPETTES IS TO LOW. HOW DO I PULL A
HIGHER RESISTANCE PIPETTE?..............................................................................................57
6.1.3 Problem: OK, BUT I STILL WANT A SMALLER TIP THAN I AM GETTING............57
6.1.4 Problem: HOW DO I INCREASE THE SIZE OF MY PATCH-PIPETTE? .....................57
6.1.5 Problem: THE TIPS OF MY PATCH-PIPETTES VARY IN SIZE FROM PULL TO
PULL. .................................................................................................................................................57
6.1.6 Problem: ONE ELECTRODE IS MUCH LONGER THAN THE OTHER
ELECTRODE. ...................................................................................................................................58
6.1.7 Problem: THE SHAPE AND RESISTANCE OF THE PIPETTE CHANGES FROM
PULL TO PULL................................................................................................................................58
6.2 Controller Problems .......................................................................................................................58
6.2.1 Problem: DISPLAY BLANK, FAN NOT ON. .....................................................................58
6.2.2 Problem: DISPLAY SHOWS A ROW OF BLOCKS. ..........................................................58
6.2.3 Problem: DISPLAYED PROGRAM VALUES ARE NOT CORRECT.............................59
6.3 Technical Support...........................................................................................................................59
APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY..............................................................................................61
APPENDIX B. ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................63
Spacers ...................................................................................................................................................63
Glass Stops.............................................................................................................................................63
Glass Loading Aids................................................................................................................................63
Pipette Storage Boxes...........................................................................................................................63
APPENDIX C. FUSE REPLACEMENT.............................................................................................65
APPENDIX D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................67
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Information labels on the back of the P-2000 cabinet. ....................................................... 2
Figure 1-2. Upper Cable Pulley Assembly .............................................................................................. 3
Figure 1-3. Puller Bar styles..................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1-4. Retro Mirror Assembly.......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 1-5. Optical Pathway (top view without laser housing). ............................................................ 6
Figure 1-6. Optical Pathway (viewed from right end of cabinet; shroud, laser and laser housing
not shown)................................................................................................................................. 7

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Figure 1-7. Cabinet components .............................................................................................................. 8
Figure 2-1. Location of Shipping Screw ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 2-2. P-2000 Cabinet (rear view) ................................................................................................. 10
Figure 2-3. P-2000 Cabinet (end view, left) .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 2-4. Power connection................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3-1. Left Puller Bar ..................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 3-2. P-2000 Front Panel ............................................................................................................. 15
Figure 3-3. LCD Display (program information) ................................................................................. 16
Figure 3-4. LCD Display (program parameters) ..................................................................................17
Figure 3-5. Pull cycle when DELAY is greater than 128 ....................................................................20
Figure 3-6. Pull Cycle when DELAY is less than 128.......................................................................... 21
Figure 3-7. Power-on Display .................................................................................................................22
Figure 3-8. P-2000 Program (Initial) Display....................................................................................... 23
Figure 3-9. Clear Program Display ........................................................................................................ 23
Figure 3-10. Access to Control Functions ............................................................................................. 25
Figure 3-11. Control Function Menu .................................................................................................... 25
Figure 3-12. Insert-glass, clamp, and pull prompt. ............................................................................... 26
Figure 3-13. Filament-selection prompt................................................................................................. 26
Figure 3-14. Prompt to edit or write-protect the program................................................................... 27
Figure 3-15. Time/Date Minutes prompt. .............................................................................................. 27
Figure 3-16. Initiate-Memory-Test prompt. .......................................................................................... 28
Figure 3-17. Program-to-Copy and To-Which-Number prompts........................................................ 28
Figure 3-18. Message indicating program is write-protected and therefore it cannot be changed. 28
Figure 3-19. Pull cycle report ................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 3-20. Sample program................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 3-21. Pull cycle report (multiple-loops). .................................................................................... 31
Figure 4-1. Mounting the pipette for evaluation of its geometry .......................................................46
Figure 4-2. Field of view when aligning the pipette shaft...................................................................47
Figure 4-3. Field of view when checking the concentricity .................................................................47
Figure 5-1. V-groove bearings and pull bars......................................................................................... 49
Figure 5-2. Scanning mirror tilt adjustment (from right end of cabinet; shroud, laser and laser
housing not shown) ................................................................................................................ 50
Figure 5-3. Micrometer scale.................................................................................................................. 51
Figure 5-4. Scanning mirror adjustment using thermal paper. ......................................................... 52
Figure 5-5. Retro Mirror Adjustment.................................................................................................... 53
Figure 5-6. Pulley adjustment................................................................................................................. 55
Figure 6-1. Power entry module ............................................................................................................ 65
Figure 6-2. Fuse holder ........................................................................................................................... 65

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TABLE OF TABLES
Table 3-1. FILAMENT scan pattern values. ......................................................................................... 19
Table 3-2. Standard factory configuration............................................................................................. 21
Table 3-3. Default Programs. .................................................................................................................. 22
Table 3-4. Control Functions................................................................................................................... 25
Table 5-1. Pipette asymmetries and solutions....................................................................................... 54
Table 6-1. Fuse type and rating. .............................................................................................................66
Table 6-2. Fuse type and rating. .............................................................................................................67

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The P-2000 is a microprocessor controlled, CO2laser-based micropipette puller. The default
configuration of the P-2000 allows fabrication of micropipettes for intracellular recording,
patch clamping, microinjection and microperfusion. The primary advantage of using the CO2
laser as a heat source is the ability to work with quartz (fused silica) glass, a much stronger
and more pure glass formulation than standard glass capillary tubing. Two models of the P-
2000 are available, each outfitted at the factory, and one of which is specified when the
system is ordered:
P-2000/G Laser-based puller outfitted for use with glass with an outer diameter
EQUAL to or GREATER than 0.6mm.
P-2000/F Laser-based puller outfitted for use with glass with an outer diameter
LESS than 0.6mm.
The precision with which the laser heat source can be modulated and directed allows the use
of a wide range of glass diameters from 0.125 to 1.2 mm. Larger diameter glasses can be
used with the P-2000/G (up to 1.5 mm quartz and 1.8 mm conventional glasses) but the
performance is best with glass that is 1.2 mm diameter or less. Model P-2000/F can also be
used to pull tubing and optical fibers to exceedingly small diameters for research applications
such as HPLC and near-field scanning microscopy, respectively. The two models differ in
their puller bars and the shroud that covers the retro mirror. Conversion between the
models is possible, must be performed at Sutter Instrument and will incur a nominal charge.
The P-2000 can store up to 100 separate programs, each consisting of up to 8 command lines.
The five parameters set in each command line allow exquisite control of the micropipette
taper geometry.
Realizing the full potential of this instrument is dependent on a complete understanding of
the way it implements the pulling process. To this end, we urge that this manual be read in
its entirety. To aid in understanding the function of the instrument, sample programs are
already loaded in memory (as discussed in subsequent material).
1.2 Technical Support
Unlimited technical support is provided by Sutter Instrument Company at no charge to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Time) at [phone]. You may also E-mail your queries to
[email protected]om.

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1.3 Information Labels
The following informational labels should be attached to the P-2000 when shipped to you.
Figure 1-1. Information labels on the back of the P-2000 cabinet.
1.4 Glassware Specifications
The P-2000 micropipette puller is designed for use with aluminosilicate, borosilicate (or other
lower melting point glass) and Quartz (fused silica) tubing or fiber ranging from 0.125 mm to
0.6 mm (P-2000/F) or 0.6 mm to 1.2 - 1.8 mm in outer diameter (P-2000/G). Even though the
P-2000/G Puller can handle glass with an outer diameter of up to 1.8 mm, the best
performance is achieved with 1.2 mm or less. Examples of the specific types and sizes of
glassware that can be used with the P-2000 are listed in the Sutter Instrument Company
catalogue that was included with this instrument or can be viewed on Sutter Instrument
Company’s web site at www.sutter.com.
1.5 Mechanical Description (Puller Anatomy)
1.5.1 Some Basic Information
This section presents a basic mechanical description of the P-2000 Puller with particular
emphasis on terminology. Knowing the names of the various parts greatly facilitates
communication between the investigators and the manufacturer when discussing
adjustments or service issues. Those adjustments that are considered part of maintenance
procedures are dealt with in the maintenance section of this manual.

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1.5.2 Upper Cable Pulley Assembly
This assembly conducts the PULLING CABLES (item T in Figure 1-2) from the PULLER
BARS (G) to the centrally located (and concealed) LOWER CABLE PULLEY ASSEMBLY.
Note that the UPPER CABLE PULLEY ASSEMBLY is attached to its panel by two screws,
in slots (J’), and contains a large eccentric adjustment screw (J). This eccentric screw is used
to adjust cable “tension”. Its use is covered in the maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Contact Sutter Instrument Tech Support BEFORE making any adjustments
of the upper cable pulley assembly.
Figure 1-2. Upper Cable Pulley Assembly
PANELS,
LEFT &
RIGHT
(K in Figure 1-2) The panels are the angled surfaces that provide mountings for the
PULLER BARS (G) and their BEARINGS (S); the SPRING STOPS (P); the BUMPERS
(N); and the UPPER CABLE PULLEY ASSEMBLIES (F). Note the three socket-head
cap screws that attach each PANEL to the top (J and J’). These screws are used to align
the PULLERS BARS. Their use is covered in Chapter 5 (MAINTENANCE).
BUMPERS (N in Figure 1-2) The BUMPER stops the motion of its associated PULLER BAR (G),
and prevents impact forces from breaking pipettes.
SPRING
STOPS
(P in Figure 1-2) The SPRING STOPS are one-way catches that prevent pipette tip
collision by catching the PULLER BARS (G) as they rebound off the BUMPERS (N).
PULLER
BARS
(G in Figure 1-2) This assembly consists of the puller bar, glass clamp, clamping knob
(R) and cable retaining screw (H). The puller bar is made of mild steel and coated with a
controlled thickness of hard chrome. Glass is loaded into the groove near the tip of the
puller bar and is held in position by tightening down the clamping knob (R). The cable
retaining screw (H) holds the cable in a shallow groove (I) at the end of the puller bar,
and forms the “resistance” against which the cable ends pull.
See Figure 1-3 for the three different styles of puller bars found on P-2000/G and P-
2000/F Pullers. The “old-style” puller bars for model P-2000/G (Figure 1-3B) were
discontinued in 2006. All current models ship with the new-style puller bars (C), which
ensure that the laser is directed towards the center of the glass capillary irrespectively of
its diameter. A glass loading aid is available should you have persistent problems
clamping the glass capillary with new-style puller bars (Figure 1-3C).

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Figure 1-3. Puller Bar styles.
V-
BEARINGS
(S in Figure 1-2) These bearings are the guides for PULLER BAR motion. They are
made of stainless steel and should NEVER be oiled (see maintenance section). These
bearings are mounted on stainless steel bushings, one of which is round with the other
two being hexagonal. The hexagonal bushings are used to adjust position and ease of
travel of the PULLER BARS (see Chapter 5 (MAINTENANCE)). Note that the V-
bearings MUST have a significant amount of play for the puller bars. Under no
circumstances must the play be eliminated, as this may irreversibly damage the puller
bars!
PULL
CABLE
(T in Figure 1-2) This cable conducts the pulling force of the solenoid to the PULLER
BARS (G) via the UPPER (F) AND LOWER PULLEY ASSEMBLIES. It is made of
flexible metal with a nylon coating. Never pinch or distort the cable. The cable is
terminated with crimped-on clamps or “swages”. Note that the cable is mechanically
connected to the puller bar by the cable retaining screw (H), not by the swage. Should
the swage point out of the plane of the puller bar, this indicates that the retaining screw
may have become loose, and the puller cable tension needs to be checked (see Chapter 5
MAINTENANCE).
IMPORTANT: Contact Sutter Instrument Tech Support BEFORE making any
mechanical adjustments of the upper cable pulley assembly.
1.5.3 Retro-Mirror Assembly
The RETRO MIRROR ASSEMBLY comprises the RETRO MIRROR, TWO-STAGE
MICROMETER, SHROUD and COVER PLATE. The TWO-STAGE MICROMETER,
SHROUD and COVER PLATE are discussed below. The RETRO MIRROR and use of the
TWO-STAGE MICROMETER are detailed in the OPTICAL PATHWAY section of this
chapter.

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Figure 1-4. Retro Mirror Assembly
RETRO
MIRROR
Covered by the SHROUD and not visible in Figure 1-4. See the Optical Pathway
section and Figure 1-6 for details.
SHROUD
(Figure 1-4)
The SHROUD encloses the RETRO MIRROR and the optical pathway of the laser
beam. This component is one of the safety features protecting the user from exposure
to the laser beam. Access holes in the side of the SHROUD allow the glass to be loaded
into the optical pathway of the laser. On a fiber puller, model P-2000/F, the “fiber”
SHROUD access holes are connected by a slot to make loading the fiber more
convenient. The SHROUD can be removed for inspection and cleaning of the RETRO
MIRROR by unscrewing the two screws (labeled D in Figure 1-4) that hold it to the
COVER PLATE and lifting the SHROUD straight up.
TWO-STAGE
MICROMETER
(Figure 1-4)
The TWO-STAGE MICROMETER is used to align the RETRO MIRROR contained in
the SHROUD. Alignment of the RETRO MIRROR has been performed at the factory
and should not need readjustment. See the MAINTENANCE chapter for details on
this procedure.
COVER
PLATE
(Figure 1-4)
The cover plate conceals the entry of the PULLING CABLES into the BASE of the
instrument. It is attached to the BASE PLATE by two screws (labeled C in Figure
1-4). The SHROUD, in turn, is anchored to the COVER PLATE.
1.5.4 Optical Pathway
The laser beam used to melt the glass in this instrument is directed as indicated in Figure
1-5, below. Each of the components necessary for defining the optical pathway of the laser
beam are labeled in that figure and described in this section.

P-2000 MICROPIPETTE PULLER OPERATION MANUAL -– REV. 2.4C (20160412)
6
Figure 1-5. Optical Pathway (top view without laser housing).
LASER
(Figure 1-5)
A CO2laser serves as the heat source for melting the glass. Laser output power is
regulated by feedback control electronics to match the power specified by the program
value entered for HEAT.
SCANNING
MIRROR
(Figure 1-5
& Figure
1-6)
The laser beam is projected onto the back face of the glass by a reflective SCANNING
MIRROR. This mirror is mounted on a rotating base driven by a stepper motor. Heat
application to the glass is achieved by repeatedly scanning the mirror horizontally
between the limits of a defined longitudinal area that are set by the FILAMENT
program parameter.1
1NOTE: Although there are 16 different FILAMENT values, the latest version of the P-2000 firmware supports only six (0 through 5) different
(unique) scanning patterns. The range of values 6 through 10 overlaps (duplicates) the lastfive of the first range (1 through 5), as does the last
range (11 through 15). E.g., Using a FILAMENT value of 6 or 11 is identical to 1, 7 or 12 is identical to 2, and so on.