Seattle HQ Office

2211 W.Casino Rd, Unit
A1 Everett, Wa 98204

Let's Connect

We'll get back to you within 1 business day

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sales Team

Holly Dugan

Order Administration Supervisor

Sandro Eckert

Sales & Application Engineer

International Representatives

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Application
  • Products
    • How long will the laser last before “running out of gas”

      The gas life of our lasers will vary based on the ballast size associated with the different models available and their mode of operation when in use. On average, we’ve seen lifespans up to 20,000 hours of ownership. Once the laser has reached the end of its gas life, a simple gas refill performed by ALC technicians will restore its original performance.

    • What is Duty Cycle?

      Duty Cycle is the percentage of a signal’s period when the laser is active. Our lasers allow users to modify the input signal, enabling a pulsed output. When operating at 100% the laser is outputting a Continuous-Wave. At 0%, the signal would always be off.

    • What is Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)?

      PRF is how often a RF signal is exciting the laser mixture. ALC’s laser controllers operate natively at 2.5 kHz. This means that the signal’s period will repeat every 0.4ms. Our lasers can generally operate in the range of 100Hz up to 100kHz. For higher frequencies, ask our sales team!

    • What is Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)?

      PWM refers to the ability to change Duty Cycle and Pulse Repetition Frequency dynamically to achieve specific pulse lengths. Additionally, using these same inputs the peak and average power can be selected.

    • Can the laser change its CW power?

      While the average power can be adjusted through PWM changes, RF-excited gas lasers can only provide true CW output at a single power level. However, ALC works with our customers to find post-laser optical solutions, enabling customers to achieve their full value from our products.

  • Company
    • Can I purchase direct from ALC?

      ALC does sell direct to countries where no existing representative or distributor is available. In countries where we do use a representative, all sales and support transactions must be processed through that intermediary.

    • We’ve purchased a system with your laser and want it repaired

      ALC works with and provides high-quality light sources to a wide variety of Original Equipment Manufacturers serving many industries. If one of these systems is experiencing problems, it must be serviced through the OEM. We cannot service lasers taken from systems, even if they’ve been removed by the customer for inspection.

    • Which trade shows could I visit you at?

      The tradeshows where we typically exhibit are: Photonics West, SPIE DCS, Laser World of Photonics, China, and Laser World of Photonics, Munich. We also attend other tradeshow and conferences, from time to time. Feel free to contact us at sales@accesslaser.com for additional information. 

  • Support
    • How much does an RMA cost?

      The RMA process starts with an in-depth diagnostic by our service technicians. This has an associated fee of $350 USD. When this has been completed, an updated quote reflecting the suggested repairs will be provided. The initial diagnostic fee will be included in the price of any further repairs undertaken.

    • What equipment needs to be shipped for a repair?

      Because of the complex electrical circuitry that is built between the laser and RF driver, both of these items must be shipped for any successful RMA to be completed. However, the chiller, DC power supply and cables used, do not need to be shipped for our service team to troubleshoot issues.

  • How long will the laser last before “running out of gas”

    The gas life of our lasers will vary based on the ballast size associated with the different models available and their mode of operation when in use. On average, we’ve seen lifespans up to 20,000 hours of ownership. Once the laser has reached the end of its gas life, a simple gas refill performed by ALC technicians will restore its original performance.

  • What is Duty Cycle?

    Duty Cycle is the percentage of a signal’s period when the laser is active. Our lasers allow users to modify the input signal, enabling a pulsed output. When operating at 100% the laser is outputting a Continuous-Wave. At 0%, the signal would always be off.

  • What is Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)?

    PRF is how often a RF signal is exciting the laser mixture. ALC’s laser controllers operate natively at 2.5 kHz. This means that the signal’s period will repeat every 0.4ms. Our lasers can generally operate in the range of 100Hz up to 100kHz. For higher frequencies, ask our sales team!

  • What is Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)?

    PWM refers to the ability to change Duty Cycle and Pulse Repetition Frequency dynamically to achieve specific pulse lengths. Additionally, using these same inputs the peak and average power can be selected.

  • Can the laser change its CW power?

    While the average power can be adjusted through PWM changes, RF-excited gas lasers can only provide true CW output at a single power level. However, ALC works with our customers to find post-laser optical solutions, enabling customers to achieve their full value from our products.

  • Can I purchase direct from ALC?

    ALC does sell direct to countries where no existing representative or distributor is available. In countries where we do use a representative, all sales and support transactions must be processed through that intermediary.

  • We’ve purchased a system with your laser and want it repaired

    ALC works with and provides high-quality light sources to a wide variety of Original Equipment Manufacturers serving many industries. If one of these systems is experiencing problems, it must be serviced through the OEM. We cannot service lasers taken from systems, even if they’ve been removed by the customer for inspection.

  • Which trade shows could I visit you at?

    The tradeshows where we typically exhibit are: Photonics West, SPIE DCS, Laser World of Photonics, China, and Laser World of Photonics, Munich. We also attend other tradeshow and conferences, from time to time. Feel free to contact us at sales@accesslaser.com for additional information. 

  • How much does an RMA cost?

    The RMA process starts with an in-depth diagnostic by our service technicians. This has an associated fee of $350 USD. When this has been completed, an updated quote reflecting the suggested repairs will be provided. The initial diagnostic fee will be included in the price of any further repairs undertaken.

  • What equipment needs to be shipped for a repair?

    Because of the complex electrical circuitry that is built between the laser and RF driver, both of these items must be shipped for any successful RMA to be completed. However, the chiller, DC power supply and cables used, do not need to be shipped for our service team to troubleshoot issues.